14Ga. Wills/Draper Shotshell Patented 1864 (14A)
Z6879 14Ga. Wills/Draper Shotshell Patented 1864 (14A)
Description: Here is a decent 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 2.5” in length and the measurements line up with a 14A shotshell. The head on this example is stepped and the patent date is light and worn. The head freely unscrews, and the edges are knurled for grip. The entire case was lacquered for protection at some point. A very nice example of a scarcer size with a Civil War era patent date.
Headstamp: "PATENTED NOV. 29 1864 / F.D. & Co."
Measures: OAL 2.499 or 2.5” RD .818” HD .769”
Reference: "Rare and Unusual Shotshells in the United States” Frederickson/Nedza Pgs. 145-151 (Circa 1864+)
Recovered: Ex. David "Doc” Frederickson Collection
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Ian Workman
American Civil War Relics &
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