12 Ga. Wills/Draper Patented Shotshell - 1864
Z9893 12 Ga. Wills/Draper Patented Shotshell - 1864
Description: Here is a nice example of what collectors commonly refer to as the "Draper shotshell,” manufactured by F. Draper & Company of East Cambridge, Connecticut. Known examples are headstamped "F.D. & Co.,” which is why collectors have adopted the "Draper” name for this style of shell.
The design was patented by William H. Wills of Boston, Massachusetts, under an "Improvement in Metallic Cartridges,” for which he received U.S. Patent No. 45,292 on November 29, 1864. Wills’ design was intended primarily for sportsmen and addressed the difficulty of obtaining metallic ammunition in remote or unsettled areas.
The cartridge consists of a metallic case fitted with an internal nipple for a percussion cap and a removable threaded head. Upon firing, the head can be unscrewed and a fresh primer placed over the nipple, after which the case can be reloaded with powder, shot, and wads. This practical system allowed shooters to repeatedly reuse a small number of cartridge cases rather than carry large quantities of loaded ammunition. The key feature of Wills’ invention is the metallic screwcap that protects and secures the percussion cap while also enabling the cartridge to be easily disassembled for reloading.
The head is flat, with legible patent information around its perimeter, and the edge of the head is knurled to provide grip for easy disassembly. The case shows light spotting and discoloration but remains free of dents. There are two spots on the side of the case where tape was at one time. On this example, the head freely unscrews, demonstrating the reloadable design in full working condition.
Headstamp: "PATENTED NOV. 29 1864 / F.D. & Co."
Measures: OAL 2 5/8” or 2.565” RD .874” HD .805”
Reference: "Rare and Unusual Shotshells in the United States” Frederickson & Nedza Pg. 147 (Circa 1864+)
Price: $125.00
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American Civil War Relics &
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