Developed in the 1970s, the Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon was designed and manufactured by the Bellmore-Johnson Tool Company of Hamden, Connecticut, using designs and trademarks licensed from the Olin Corporation, then-owner of the Winchester company and brand. According to an included note, both the crate and the box in this lot were submitted by Bellmore-Johnson to Olin for approval. The box was submitted first and rejected, with feedback that Olin was looking for something more akin to vintage Winchester shipping material. Taking the feedback to heart, the crate here was the second submission, enhancing that vintage look Olin wanted. The box is thick cardboard construction, and measures 17 x 7 3/4 x 7 inches, with red/black stencils on the top and long sides of the lid bearing the Winchester logo, model and gauge markings, and the Bellmore-Johnson and Winchester/Olin markings. The crate is constructed from nailed and dovetailed/glued hardwood planks (possibly pine or cedar), measuring 19 1/2 x 8 x 8 1/2 inches, with a branded and red paint filled "WINCHESTER/TRADE MARK" marking on each side and end, and "ONE/BREECH/LOADING/CANNON" branded and black filled on each end. The lid has not been mounted, with no nail or screw holes in the lid or the top of the crate.

The box is very good, with some mild wear and stains. The crate shows a small knot hole and some minor dings. Both are structurally solid with clear markings.