RARE & FINE UMC CARTRIDGE BOARD.

54 1/2" x 41 1/2" Overall. This is among the scarcest and most difficult to find of cowboy era, circa 1885, gun store cartridge board display. The massive oak frame has two large gesso panels with raised 2" relief lettering with “TRADEMARK” and “U.M.C.” on top banner and on bottom “The Union Metallic Cartridge Co.”. Over 100 examples of cartridges are labeled and arranged for the various Winchester, Sharps, Remington, Ballard, Colt, Marlin, Smith and Wesson rifles & handguns of the day. A central diamond color lithograph, 24" wide with UMC logo surrounded by western game scene. CONDITION: fine overall, no doubt among the very few surviving complete and original boards, background has some yellowing to thin varnish coating, about 4" x 1/2" water stain at bottom right corner, cartridges have smooth, light spotted mustard brass patina, lead is overall gray/black patina, oak frame is sound and solid with minor cosmetic blemishes at edges, gesso lettered panels are both fine and complete. PROVENANCE: Ex Ray Bentley Collection; Vicente Sepulveda Collection. (02-13624/JS). $25,000-35,000.