Firing Pin Mark

[BioProfessor]

I found a .32 cal WCF cartridge case today. Just the normal .32 cal or .32-20 Win cartridge case. The headstamp is marked "U S" and is not that unusual to me. The thing that has me scratching my head since I don't know that much about late 19th century cartridges is the firing pin mark. It is not the normal dimple of a standard firing pin but is "US" with "_" underneath. Is this common and I just don't know about it? Need a photo? I'll post one when the sun is up.

Thanks!!

Daryl

[EDDE]

rim fire possibly
ive found a couple they are pretty old
guessing 70-100 YO

[EDDE]

[BioProfessor]

Here is a photo of the mark. It is a .32 WCF used in both rifles and pistols in the late 19th century. Just never seen a firing pin "stamp" any letters.

Daryl

[EDDE]

got me going on that one ?

[BioProfessor]

Yeah, the weird Civil War site strikes again.

Daryl

[EdleBrock]

Hi Daryl,

I don't think the "US" is a result of a pin strike, but, rather was part of the manufacturing of the primer, a makers mark or arsenal mark.

Just my opinion.

BTW, I've enjoyed your posts on your search for Sherman's camp...excellent reading.

regards,

Jim

[BioProfessor]

Hi Jim,

I think you are correct. I found some images of old cartridge cartridge cases and they did have marks on the primers before they were fired. Since the mark on the primer matches the headstamp on the cartridge, I think they indicate they were made by the same company and US is part of the name of the company.

Glad you are enjoying my search for Sherman's camp and his 40,000 men. I guess if you have to be in the wrong place and finding other stuff, it doesn't get much better than Revolutionary War items. Could be worse.

Daryl

[EdleBrock]

Here's a WAG...

http://harringtonmuseum.org.uk/USACartHeadstamps.htm

US - United States Cartridge Co., Lowell, Mass., USA

[BioProfessor]

Makes sense to me. Stands to reason they might put the "US" mark on their primers to show they were made by the company and were of the same quality.

Thanks!!

Daryl