10Ga. Wills/Draper Shotshell Patented 1864 (10A)
Z6628 10Ga. Wills/Draper Shotshell Patented 1864 (10A)
Description: Here is an excellent example of what collectors refer to as the "Draper Shotshell.” This style of shell was patented by William H. Wills of Boston, Massachusetts under an "Improvement of Metallic Cartridges.” Wills was awarded Patent No. 45,292 dated November 29, 1864.
This shell was designed specifically for sportsmen and is somewhat similar to the design by George Morse. It’s a centerfire cartridge with an internal nipple. Upon firing, the base can be unscrewed, and a new primer can be placed over the nipple. This allowed the shells to be easily reloaded and reduced the need to carry multiple shells. All you needed was primers, powder, shot, etc.
These shells were manufactured by F. Draper & Company of East Cambridge, Connecticut. All the headstamps are F.D. & Co. which is why these shells are referred to as Draper shotshells.
This shell measures 2 13/16” in length and the closest measurements line up with a 10A shotshell. The head on this example is flat and the rim is knurled for grip. The base or head of the shell freely unscrews. The top or dated portion of the headstamp is strong and the lower portion is weak. An excellent example with a Civil War patent date!
Headstamp: "PATENTED NOV. 29 1864 / F.D. & Co."
Measures: OAL 2.818” or 2 13/16” RD .906” HD .865”
Reference: "Rare and Unusual Shotshells in the United States” Frederickson & Nedza Pg. 149-150 (Circa 1864+)
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Ian Workman
American Civil War Relics &
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