Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII Issue "Packing box M1917" ammunition crate with a tinned steel liner for No.00 12 gauge shotgun shells, often called "Double Ought Buck" after the "00" designation. This was used in the various service shotguns used during WWII, including the venerable Winchester Model 1897, Winchester Model 12, Ithaca Model 37, and others. The front of the crate still bears the original packing information from when it was repacked:

600 SHELL SHOTGUN
NO. 00 - 12 GAGE

T3ABE                       

              WT. 90 LBS.          RPK'D LOT
        CU. FT. 1.5         CB - 5057

The right side of the box has the exact same information stenciled, and there is also shortened version of this on the lid of the box under SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION. THe lid also has a matching lot number, indicating that it is the ORIGINAL LID. The crate measures approximately 18"W × 14 ½"H × 9 ½"D, and is constructed using rabbet joint corners. It is painted brown, indicating mid war production, with the markings stenciled in yellow, and bears the ordnance "flaming bomb" on the front and right sides. The interior steel liner is in good condition, and cannot currently be removed. The top was removed when it was opened long ago.

Overall condition is very good, showing wear commensurate with age and service. It still retains all of the threaded posts on the top to attach the lid, and even still has two of the original wing nuts! Also, as shown clearly in the pictures, the crate is empty.

Ready to add to your collection and display!

Pre-war and early-war ammo packing boxes were made of stained wood with black-painted lettering. Mid- to late-war packing boxes were painted Olive Drab brown with white or yellow lettering that used the item's AIC code and a system of symbols to indicate the contents at a glance. The caliber, ammunition type and model (e.g., Caliber .30 Ball M1) were in the upper center field in bold lettering. The number of units (i.e., how many bullets or shells there were per box) and packing information (i.e., whether it was in cartons, bandoleers or belts) were on the two lines below it. The caliber (CAL .45, CAL .30, or CAL .50) was painted in bold lettering in the upper left corner. The gross weight of the box in pounds and its volume in cubic feet was painted in the lower left corner and the Ammunition Lot information (manufacturer code and lot number) was painted in the lower right corner.