Makes sense to nail ammunition boxes shut as was done in the military. You'd also assume there should be some sort of lot number or shipping stamped on it. So I'll assume it to be a reproduction (with really nice patina) or with added hinges and clasps.
There is one on e-bay with the same hinges/clasps - but no other info:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/178343433792?itmmeta=01M1877WJ3VWQYMZN2W9VB82ZR&hash=item298618d640:g:VpMAAeSw1stqZQes&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA4DKQclQvzFwZQpmMrsO4LuroZFgp1Jw56i6ekQG7GU3wtD1wCIG%2BfVT31CcZjNKp9ASE0dL6KasviV8xzR9ahwf9DMAPHlSv%2Bv%2BxzN3VoHh0KIvrnJ3bwYQLmfsU9m1EU2e2fP1lOoIyJeFj4bYkXyK%2B6oMMQr3VExY%2B6lzv9tqeQbu%2BquBa1MjQXSxUtK5F41uGh%2FbpaXuFsTtSrSR5zmtvVlaZiUJMc2qa6pDif9HdJTEZy7TO9RcSNKd394u26LjmTeKcJ%2BP7tDe96qvm2XKh%2FoRAeHSjofvmgrCH81%2BM%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR57Jn4eKaA
Google AI says this about the "3" (which seems quite doubtful - surely this is the length of the shot shell): The "3" Marking: The number "3" stenciled near the gauge information typically denoted a 3-dram equivalent powder charge, a standard power measurement for vintage 12-gauge hunting loads.
Last edited by Argo44; 08/29/26 10:28 PM.
