Need help IDing this shot shell

[Rob62]

I came accross this shot shell in an odd lot of ammo that I acquired for my collection. I have never seen anything like it, and can find no reference in the books I have.

The shell in question is on the far right. On its left is an older .410 shell for comparison. Plus a 20ga and 12ga also for comparison.

There are no markings on the shell in question with the exception of an "W" on the bottom of the rim. Similar to .22 rim fire case markings. Since there is no primer visible in the center of the case rim only the "W", I presume this shell is a rim fire.

Thanks for any help.

Rob

 

[sm]

Tamara!!!!

Dave...

Somebody...

Since there is no primer visible in the center of the case rim only the "W",

I "was" gonna say it appears to be one distributed by / Private Label for : 1) Western Auto, 2) Montgomery Wards.

Being a rim fire...

 

[Dave McCracken]

Looks like the old 9mm rimfire shell for a Garden Gun. Made both in Europe and here, these were designed to take out pests and vermin from semi-populated areas. Terminal effect is something like that of the Speer "Snake" loads in 38 Special.

I have seen one 9mm "shotgun" that had been used as a specimen collector. The owner then was the granddaughter or GGD of the original owner and was keeping starlings out of the cherry trees with it. Dunno where she got ammo.

These little shotguns came in a couple sizes. IIRC there was one that used a 44-40 case with 9 shot sealed under a overshot card. Another version used the 32 rimfire in a smooth bore with both bullet and pellets loads.

Both centerfire and rimfires were made.

HTH...

 

[sm]

Aha...it worked. I hollered for Tamara and Got Dave's attention...

Guys always look when they hear a ladies name..

That is a pretty cool shell with history - Thanks for bringing to our attention - and giving us an answer...

 

[Rob62]

Thanks for the help Dave.

I have heard the term garden gun before. But did not realize that they ever used rim fire cartridges. That shouldn't surprise me I guess however.

Any idea when these things were in their hey day? I would suspect late 1800's to early 1900's?!

Anyway I guess I have a neat novelty shell for my small ammunition collection.

Attached is a better picture of the shell.

Regards,
Rob

 

[kudu]

Dave hit it I believe. Saw some of the shell displays at the Grand in Ohio last year, they had some shells like that under glass there. Very rare I would guess, and worth some $$. Even the old .410 paper shells are rare.

 

[Rob62]

"Very rare I would guess, and worth some $$. Even the old .410 paper shells are rare."

I know no one can see me now but I'm doing my Happy Dance of Joy, thinking of all the ways to enjoy my windfall when I sell this shell and retire to the beach to do nothing but fish, shoot, and hunt full time.

Rob

 

[Chuck Dye]

Old Western Scrounger lists 9mm rimfire shotshells by Fiocchi for $22.95/50

 

[mnrivrat]

9mm is indeed correct - as to a windfall - don't order that new Caddy just yet.

A few bucks maybe , but not rare enough to get excited about.

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're welcome, Rob. I believe garden guns were made from about 1875 to 1920. Most were quite inexpensive. Actions were break open, though I have seen pics of a rolling block Stevens that looked like their 22 rifles.

Your shell has some collector value but do not tell the boss what he can do with your job yet.