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Need help dating a bullet mold

woodshermit
I just picked up an old (I think) bullet mold. The only markings on it are 45-75 (which I assume to be the caliber) on one handle. The mold itself would cast a minie type shaped bullet. I know very little about black powder arms, so any information or suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.
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8 comments

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  • rufe-snow
    According to my reference, there were (2) commercial 45-75 cartridges in the 19th Century. Winchester & Sharps.

    Winchester would be more common, and probably have a lighter weight bullet. 350 Grains according to my reference.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • woodshermit
    I've checked my Catalog of Winchester and don't see anything chambered for a 45-75 unless it could be an 1885 single shot which doesn't have all the calibers listed. Am I correct that this mold was probably for reloading metallic cartridges? Would the rarity of the bullet add to the value of his piece?
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by woodshermit
    I've checked my Catalog of Winchester and don't see anything chambered for a 45-75 unless it could be an 1885 single shot which doesn't have all the calibers listed. Am I correct that this mold was probably for reloading metallic cartridges? Would the rarity of the bullet add to the value of his piece?



    The Winchester Rifle that was primarily chambered for the 45-75 cartridge was the "Model 1876". The 45-75 is a "metallic cartridge".

    Unless your mold had a specific manufactures name or marking on it, it's just another 19th Century Bullet mold. It's primary value would be based on it's condition, in my opinion.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • Iconoclast
    The .45-75 was the original chambering of the M1876 "Centennial" Winchester lever action. It had great popularity with our northern cousins, whose RCMP adopted it as their standard rifle. Fairly scarce round and the rifle is even more scarce. This is somewhat beyond my normal range, but all the antique bullet moulds which I've seen bring significant premiums have the makers name stamped into the handles or blocks - Winchester, Marlin, whatever. I doubt this would have much collector appeal in the absence of such provenance. The original loading was a 350gr bullet and Lyman made moulds specifically for this caliber up to the 1970s or so . . . thus those who have the rifle should be able to find modern mould blocks with some effort. Still, you might find someone who would like a 19th century mould to put with the rifle or doesn't care about producing many bullets. Condition would have a big influence here, but if I were to sell it, I'd be looking at a $20 - $40 price tag, and likely at the low end of that, as there is just very little market for it.

    "There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain)
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  • woodshermit
    Thanks to you both. Makes me happy that I only paid $8 for it.
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  • Ross
    Most of my Winchester moulds have faint stamping on the side of the block that may be hard to see. The caliber is always stamped heavily on the handle. The .45-75 uses a light bullet that was often used in other guns that were usually loaded with heavier bullets.
    There are good pictures over on the Antique Reloading Tool Collector Forum illustrating the five Winchester mould types.
    (You will have to Google the site, as I haven't the smarts to hyperlinc.)
    Cheers from Darkest California,
    Ross
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  • woodshermit
    Upon closer inspection in a good light and a little rubbing off rust, the mold is marked Manufactured By Winchester Arms Co New Haven Conn USA. That website was very interesting. I do appreciate the help.
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  • Iconoclast
    hermit, if of Winchester mfg, then $8 was a great buy. If the mold is in VG or better condition, this is a $40 or better item. Still not a big market for it, but for the right guy, if you have no need of it, then you should be able to realize a substantial profit. There are people who collect moulds, pure and simple, as well as those who seek them to go with the firearm. I'm a cheap Yankee, but if I saw a .45-75 mould by Winchester in nice condition for $8, I'd have a friction burn on my butt getting out the wallet - you made a good investment. This is definitely pre-1900, most likely circa 1880 (I'm no expert in dating these) and well worth the price paid. Glad for you!!!

    "There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain)
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