Original U.S. Spanish-American War Model 1898 Krag .30 Cal Cartridge Ammunition Crate by Union Metallic Cartridge Co. - Extremely Scarce

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very scarce item often missing from most Spanish-American War collections, a Model 1898 Krag ammunition crate, which held 1200 rounds of .30-40 Krag. This is the first example of this scarce box we have offered, and we likely won’t ever see another, as they are like hen’s teeth. The box measures 34 x 9 x 7½” and is in great condition. The design for this crate was very peculiar, as it’s meant to be opened from one end, secured with five wing nuts as shown. The box is “wired” together, so the top lid does not come off.

The stencil on the side of the box reads:

1200 BALL CARTRIDGES CAL .30
MODEL 1898
CALIBER .30 IMR NO.17 POWDER
THE REMINGTON ARMS UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO. INC.
UMC BRIDGEPORT WORKS - BRIDGEPORT, CONN. U.S.A.

The narrow side of the crate is stenciled:

CAL .30
MODEL 1898
LOT A160

The end that opens appears to have been fastened with several “seals” which read U.S. GOVT in the center, certainly meant to ensure the ammunition was not opened and tampered with before arriving in “theater”. There is a large crack on the top, but otherwise this crate is in great preserved condition.

This is a tremendous ammunition crate, one of the scarcest we have ever offered. Comes ready for further research and display!