[quote=“DocAV”]Given the Dates, Clip type, Packet, etc, the ensemble is “uncommon”.
The amount of WW I Italian Ammo still in existence today is small ( 1930s and 1940s dates are “common”) due to being used up during the 20s and 30s in Colonial matters (Pacification of Libya, 1914-1928) and of course, Abyssinian War, 1935-36, and SCW (1936-39).)
Clip is “tin-plated steel”, a WW I expedient ( brass is “Common”, tin-plated steel is not.). Date of clip matches dates of Cartridges (17), so convalidates WW I supply. (SMI Clip, Societa’ Metallurgica Italiana, and B-17, Bologna Pyrotechnic Factory cartridge.)
Packet is in “Poor” Condition, and should have THREE Clips in it ( 18 rounds). Printing is WW I normal Production, with “B.P.” inspector’s Initials, (?Pietro Boragine?) at the Bologna Plant.
The Label reads “Caricatori di Latta”—“Tinplate chargers” so is Matching the contents.
Packet also reads “Per Fucile e Mitragliatrice”— “For Rifle and MG”…The MG of the time was the Revelli M1914. ( although there were also some Colt M1914 Potato-Diggers, and some M1906 Vickers as well, in specialised Units (Navy Coastal Artillery and Armoured Car squadrons).
TO go with a Period collection ( pre-WW I and WW I rifles and Carbines, these would be Ideal…although a Full Packet in good condition would be preferable…
As to “shootability” these old cartridges will be “Kaputt”…the Primers go first. The Powder is probably OK; cases may fracture on firing as well. Best left as a complete collectible…“They ain’t making them that way any more” ( or any other way either!!!.)
Nice historical Artifact.
Doc AV[/quote]
I really appreciate you very detailed information. The research I did also told me these were WWI and fairly uncommon, I guess I shouldn’t have said rare but from what I read these were a good find. Again–I really appreciate your getting back to me and spending the time to put this together for me. I struggle selling stuff especially when I have a lot of information like you just provided that I can put with the piece. But it all depends what these would bring, I may just put back in the display case but I hope there’s a few of you that enjoy seeing them.
Pete