Sectioned 14 Ga. Wills-Draper Percussion Shotshell – 1864 Patent
M146 Sectioned 14 Ga. Wills-Draper Percussion Shotshell – 1864 Patent
Description: Here is an excellent sectioned example of what collectors commonly refer to as the "Draper” shotshell, manufactured by F. Draper & Company of East Cambridge, Connecticut. Known examples are typically headstamped "PATENTED NOV. 29 1864 / 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’ invention was intended primarily for sportsmen and addressed one of the major drawbacks of early metallic ammunition: the difficulty and expense of obtaining replacement cartridges in remote or unsettled areas. His solution was a reusable metallic cartridge that could be quickly reloaded by the shooter in the field.
This style of percussion shotshell is somewhat similar in concept to the earlier George W. Morse system. The cartridge consists of a metallic case fitted with an internal nipple for a percussion cap and a removable threaded screwcap at the base. After firing, the shooter could unscrew the cap, replace the spent percussion cap with a fresh one, recharge the case with powder and shot or ball, and reassemble the cartridge for continued use. The screwcap also protected the percussion cap from accidental displacement while securing it firmly in position during firing.
Wills acknowledged similarities to the earlier Morse design, which also utilized an internal nipple and percussion cap arrangement, but specifically claimed the use of the metallic screwcap as the unique feature of his invention. The patent emphasized the practicality and economy of the system, as it reduced the number of loaded cartridges a sportsman needed to carry while allowing repeated reuse of the metallic case.
This example is sectioned to display the internal construction of the shell. The headstamp is unfortunately too worn to read, though the form and construction are consistent with known Draper examples. The shell measures approximately 2.5 inches in length, with dimensions corresponding to a 14A shotshell. The head is of the flat style and features knurled edges to provide grip for easy removal. On this example, the head freely unscrews, demonstrating the reloadable design in proper working condition.
Overall, this is a very nice example of a sectioned Draper shotshell illustrating one of the more innovative reloadable sporting cartridge systems of the nineteenth century.
Headstamp: None
Measures: OAL 2.509” or 2 1/2” RD .816” HD .765”
Reference: "Rare and Unusual Shotshells in the United States” Frederickson/Nedza Pgs. 145-151 (Circa 1864+)
Price: $150.00
Disclaimer for Antique Firearms
and Ammunition:
Americancivilwarrelics.com
strongly recommends that these artifacts be enjoyed and appreciated for their
historical significance and not ever fired. By ordering you are acknowledging
these facts, warnings and assume full responsibility for your personal actions
with regard to them.
We DO NOT sell modern guns, all our inventory will be Pre-1898 and are
classified by the ATF as antiques and require no government paperwork to own.
All ammunition is sold as
"Collectable/Display Ammunition" and is NOT meant to be fired. By ordering you are acknowledging these facts, warnings
and assume full responsibility for your personal actions with regard to them.
Thanks for Visiting!
Ian Workman
American Civil War Relics &
Military Antiques
