Manufactured in the late 1800s to very early 1900s, cartridge boards such as this were a common advertising piece displayed in gun shops, hardware stores, and sporting goods stores around the country. This example is an exceptionally rare early variation compared to other designs by U.M.C., with very few examples left known to exist, one being in the Smithsonian and one at the Springfield Armory Museum. At Rock Island Auction Company, we have only cataloged one other example of this specific variation. As far as the writer is aware, the example offered here is one of two that we know have survived available on the collector's market. Some of these other examples show different color backgrounds, making these navy blue backed examples even more scarce. The interior frame measures 20 13/16 wide by 32 3/8 tall inches with the exterior measuring 25 3/8 wide by 37 1/8 inches tall and the display is approximately 4 1/4 inches deep. This impressive board includes an assortment of rimfire cartridges, centerfire cartridges, and shotgun shells ranging from the tiny BB cap up to the massive 1 inch Berdan Gatling cartridge. All of the cartridges are neatly arranged in rows and labeled in gold on a dark navy blue background. "AMMUNITION/MANUFACTURED BY THE/UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE COMPANY,/BRIDGEPORT, CONN., U.S.A." is arranged in four lines at the top with a U.M.C. monogram logo to either side, also in gold. The frame has two black accents that run around the perimeter and a pane of glass protecting the entire display. Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Exceptionally fine, the display itself shows very minimal wear or fading, with clear text and the cartridges showing a very attractive, lightly aged patina. The interior metal frame shows some scattered light age related patina. The exterior wood frame shows some mild wear and some scattered minor handling/storage marks. This could easily be a defining piece for a gun room display or office, do not miss this rare opportunity!