shotgun shells, rifle cartridge, Victorian Button

[Zagmann]

Snuck out while my wife was sleeping early this morning to do some MDing in the woods. I got lucky finding a few things in what used to be farmland 100+ years ago, mostly overgrown now.

The first shell which you can barely read has WRA No 12 Rival. Based on what I could find (not much) it is from just prior to 1900?

The next reads U.M.C New Club No 12. Info points to 1867-1911 (I assume closer to 1911 for this?)

Last shell says Winchester New Rival No 12. It appears this would be from 1920-1929?

The rifle cartridge (broken) has an A, 10 and I believe and 18. It appears to be the same size in diameter as a .270... Any ideas on what that is?

The last thing I found was the button (my first)- 8 inches down right next to a big oak tree. I actually found an identical picture of it online - an antique Victorian Old Mill button. I couldn't find any other info on it - I assume pre-1901 if it is Victorian?

Help with narrowing down any info or dates would be appreciated!

[It's A Trap!]

http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=81400 Read this, I think it talks about most of your headstamps

[Zagmann]

Thanks for the link - good info. It appears Turtlefoot is the resident expert on the headstamps.

[turtlefoot]

Nice finds! I can help you a bit on your shotshell heads.

WRA RIVAL - 1884-1897 - The Rival, along with the Star were the first two "named" lines of shotshells that Winchester produced. Both were introduced the same year, so you will not find an older "named" line of Winchester shotshell heads.

UMC New Club - 1891-1911 - Since it is plain, with no head decoration, it should date right at the turn of the century.

Winchester New Rival - The New Rival was made from 1897-1929 with the Winchester headstamp. The 1901 headstamp was also made from 1901-1920, but did not replace it. I can narrow the date of yours down quite a bit though. You have a very early one. It will date from 1897-1903. In 1904, this line of shells started using the "New No 4" primer, which yours does not have. You actually have a rare variety on this one. Note that it does not have the underscore under the 'o' in No.

I cannot help you at all on the button and just as a guess, your bullet casing might be a Frankford Arsenal made in October, 1918.

Great finds!
Doug

[turtlefoot]

I am talking out of total ignorance here. Is there a chance that your button is politically related, similar to the "Harrison" button with the cabin on it?

[Zagmann]

Doug- Thanks for the great info. The history behind this stuff really makes it interesting. I'm looking forward to getting back out there, there must be a lot more.

I actually found what appears to be an identical button online - but not a lot of info on it. http://www.etsy.com/listing/13722896...e-metal-button