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Need some old timers help. What is this?

jdduckman
I aquired a couple of small copper cans.
One side says:
Division Lead Company
7742 West 61st Place
Summit, Illinois

NET WT 5 LBS

The other side has an outline of the state of IL with Summit reverse highlighted at the top rt side of the state.
Under that it say;
ILLINOIS
LONG RANGE
COPPER PLATED
and the
LEAD SHOT is reverse highlighted.

The top of the can has BB stamped in red ink.
Looks like you would have to use a can opener to get the shot out as these are sealed cans.
Can anyone tell me anything about this; when it was circulating or worth?
On another site someone said it might be air rifle shot. Was it common to buy copper plated lead shot for air rifles?
I just figured this was another way to sell lead shot for reloading.
I took it to a gun show here in CA and no one could tell me a thing.
I am 43 yrs old and had never seen it before. I thought maybe some of you who are older than I might know what it is.
Thanks,
Big John
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    Shot is normally sold in 25lb cloth bags. Certain specific shot in sizes not commonly used and/or plated shot was sometimes sold in smaller quanties, in containers such as you describe.

    Copper plated BB size ( .170 Dia. ) shot would be normally used for long range waterfouling over decoys. If you only had opportunity for one or two hunts during the season it wouldn't be economical to buy a 25lb bag, as BB size shot is little used for the more common upland game loads.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • nononsense
    jd,

    I know that you know this already but I'll write it out anyway. Don't open these cans if they are still sealed since the potential value will be higher for a complete can. Nice find by the way.

    The company is still in business and you could give them a call and see what they remember. I'm not that old so I don't have any memory of this type of packaging but I have seen some really unique styles and concepts of packaging that have been used in many industries. I would think that their PR or Advertising/Promotions department would be interested in seeing photos if you could get a contact and an e-mail link. Remember though, that this is a small company and everyone is generally extremely busy these days.

    Best of luck!

    Division Lead Limited Partnership

    Fabricated lead products, Lead alloys, Lead anodes, Lead casting, Lead extrusions, Lead sheet, Lead shot, Solder.

    Division Lead Limited Partnership
    Summit Illinois
    USA
    Contact: Phil Weiss

    Company: Division Lead Limited Partnership

    Address: Summit, IL 60501
    United States

    Telephone: + 1 (800) 457-5323
    Fax: + 1 (708) 458-4642
    Employees: 10-49
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  • jdduckman
    Thanks for the help.
    Big John
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  • I.Shute
    If my failing memory serves me correctly, copper coated BBs were available in the 30's and 40's for BB guns (air rifles).
    Also plain lead. I have a small empty tube,- a "No. 2 package" by Western. It's 3/4" dia. x 2-5/8" lomg, has a twist type top which opens a small hole to dribble out the shot.
    Marked "Western Lead Air Rifle Shot"
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  • Sunray
    "...in the 30's and 40's for BB guns (air rifles)..." They were still available in the 70's. I haven't looked, but they likely still are available.
    Five pounds of BB's would keep you in ammo for your old Red Rider for eons.
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  • I.Shute
    Very possible, Sunray.
    I shot them when I was a kid because they were cheaper and my dad insisted that I used only lead when shooting pigeons and sparrows in the barn.
    It was easier on the roof than steel bbs if you missed the bird, which I never did.
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