Date code on Western Box .30-40 Krag

#1

I am looking at a box of Western .30-40 Krag. White box with White label. On the bottom is a date code of 4RB61 stamped in ink. Does this code indicate a date of Feb. 16, 1940? I’ve tried web searches this evening and not coming up with much. The month and date aren’t bad but the year codes I find confusing.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2nznGdKmtklTTF0bjVyUVdzaUk/view?usp=sharing

#2

Looking at the box image, 16 Feb 1940 would be my bet. The other possible years are 1923 and the format is wrong for this early. It could be 1960, but that seems too late. I think you nailed it.

Cheers,
Lew

#3

Thank you Lew. Do you know of a chart or something that lists out how the year codes work?

#4

The code is a bit complex. It was published some time ago in the IAA Journal. You might try checking the Journal Index on the IAA website.

Cheers,
Lew