Z8821 Merwin & Bray .31 Colt or Whitney Pocket Revolver Ammunition Packet (Published)
Description: Scarce packet containing five combustible paper cartridges manufactured by Henry W. Mason for the firm of Merwin & Bray, located at 245 Broadway, New York. Most H.W. Mason packets encountered today were produced after the American Civil War, making those marked with the Merwin & Bray address potentially among the earliest examples in the Mason series.
Henry W. Mason began his ammunition career working for Crittenden & Tibbals of South Coventry, Connecticut. By the early 1860s, Mason had established his own cartridge-making operation in a warehouse owned by Walter A. Loomis. According to tax records compiled by Lou Behling, Mason was manufacturing paper ball cartridges as early as 1863. While the exact start date of his independent business remains uncertain, 1863 stands as a key reference point.
Merwin & Bray, a prominent firearms and ammunition firm in New York, changed their address from 245 Broadway to 262 Broadway around 1863–1864. The packet bearing the 245 Broadway address suggests that Merwin & Bray may have been among H.W. Mason’s earliest customers to receive a brand-specific label. The only other known company address to appear on early Mason packets is that of Horstmann Bros. & Allien of 8 Maiden Lane, New York. Notably, both of these rare packet types were loaded with Hazard's Powder. These brand-labeled packets are considered scarce and are believed to be among the earliest examples produced by Mason.
Typical H.W. Mason packets consist of pasteboard boxes wrapped in paper, with applied printed labels. The exterior was then varnished to provide protection from moisture and handling wear.
This example is in excellent condition and has been carefully wrapped in cellophane for preservation. It is a published specimen, formerly part of the collection of noted author and researcher Terry White. A small sticker bearing White’s collection number remains affixed to the back of the wrapper, further verifying its provenance.
Measures: 1.83” x 1.37” x .451”
Reference: "Percussion Ammunition Packets: Union, Confederate & European 1845-1888” Malloy, Thomas & White Pg. 31, Figure 114 (Actual Packet Photographed)
Reference: The History of Rimfire Cartridges in America 1852-2022” Behling Pgs. 298-300
Recovered: Ex. Terry White Collection
Price: $850.00 UPS Shipping Required
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