Value/Age of Old .22 Ammo
I have a old box of Remington UMC .22 short ammo that I would like to try to put a date and value on. It is a unopened box, that has a top and bottom that is sealed with a red paper strip on the edge. The top label is red and says "22 short R.F. Lesmok". I understand the rim fire abbreviation, and I think the lesmok refers to a semi-smokeless powder. The bottom label has a guarantee in English and Spanish. It is in fair shape, with the paper seal having a tear and piece missing on one corner and general wear on the exposed edges. Bought it at a flea market when I was a kid, had to promise the seller I would not open it. I kept the promise. Have seen some old .22 in the ammo postings, but none like this one. Thanks!
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This is a job for Iconoclast.
That said,I'm guessing it could bring 3.50 to whatever a Remington collector would pay. I'm into the Winchesters and have paid as much as twenty bucks for some old ones. Not saying they were worth it, that's what I paid though.0 -
The box was made sometime between 1917 and 1930 or so (Remington bought out UMC just before WWI and switched to the box style we see today circa 1930 - .22 boxes are not my greatest strength; not what I personally collect).
The actual condition of the box will have an enormous effect on the value, as it does in dealing with any collectible such as stamps or coins. A mint specimen is worth far more than one in only slightly lower condition. And there are several varieties - the box may have a marble, plaid or plain (in different colors) appearance in the areas not covered with labels. Depending on version and condition (presuming the latter is reasonably nice - at minimum, say, 'fair plus' by my grading standards . . . which are admittedly more conservative than most), this box should bring somewhere between $25 and $85 at auction. If you can post a clear image or send one to me via the eml icon, probably I can narrow that range somewhat. In the condition you describe, I strongly suspect it will be in the lower end of the range given. These are not all that uncommon, but the bulk of the better collectible ammo specimens are auctioned on other sites or off-line.0 -
I saw a full box on another site. It was unopened but had some wear around the edges. They were asking $55.00. 0 -
Thanks for the information! I had always thought it was older than Iconoclast dated it, but it is still a nice old box. 0 -
knifeuser,
When I say this, I mean absolutely *NO* offense, but anyone can put a price on something. Whether they get it may be an entirely different matter. When I quote values, these are from actual sales in multiple venues over the past several years. My sales database contains tens of thousands of such realized sales cross-referenced by specific loads / box designs and their condition. From the data I have and the description given, I'd feel pretty confident is saying GHS has a box which would fetch $25 - $40 at auction, depending on the specific box style - and there were several as I indicated in my first post. The difference between something which is truly rare and a specimen merely old can turn on some pretty small differences, but that will affect the price enormously.0 -
If I recall correctly, Union Metallic Cartridge bought Remington in 1911.
Cheers from Grayest California,
Ross0 -
Iconoclast,
Sounds like you have the data and knowledge to be a true expert in this field, and I appreciate your time and effort. The money aspect of this means less to me than the information does. This old box of ammo, which I have enjoyed so much, is most likely destined to be given to another young collector. As long as he/she does not open it either. Thanks again.0
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