Description |
One unopened pack of 20 bullets. One opened pack with 15 bullets.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL MANUFACTURED US ARMY ISSUE .45 CALIBER ACP AMMUNITION PACKET – FULL UNOPENED PACKET - "ROLL TESTED"
In addition to the printed label on the face and rear panels, the packet is also printed on the top with the notation "ROLL TESTED AT BENICIA ARSENAL 1938".
This extra labeling indicating "Roll Testing" refers to an interesting and little known chapter in the history of US Army cartridge manufacturing. This testing is explained on page 28 of History of Modern U.S. Military Small Arms Cartridges, Vol. 1, by Hackley, Woodin, and Scranton. In the late 1930's it was discovered that a quantity of .45 caliber Model 1911 cartridges had been manufactured at Frankford Arsenal with incorrect powder charges. A malfunction in the powder charging machine resulted in double and triple charges being dropped into cartridge cases, resulting in the damage or destruction of pistols upon being fired. In attempting to determine which cartridges were affected, weighing the cartridges was found to be ineffective due to the variations in the weight of the metallic components of the cartridges. Eventually the army settled on a system which involved the cartridges being removed from the packets and rolled down an incline onto a polished surface, generally glass. Where the cartridge came to rest determined whether it had a light, normal, or excessive powder charge. This testing was carried out at Ordnance Department facilities throughout the United States and in our overseas possessions. Some packets of suspected cartridges were redesignated with a new lot number and presumably those passing the test were simply identified with the notation found on this packet as having been tested and passed.
This is an excellent specimen of a fairly rare packet to add to your collection.
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