Age???

[relic nut]

I know this is a rim fire cartridge, my question is time period. It was found at old home site that is off the beaten path in the mountains. Oldest thing found there that I can date is a 1935 mercury dime. I have one similar that was found at a known CW site, but it has no stamp on the head. Thanks for any help. RN. Correction... The oldest thing was 1895 IH penny

 

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[OWK]

Looks like a 56-50 Spencer cartridge

Pretty old.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

The "U" is Union Metallic Cartridge (eventually bought up by Remington). They made rimfire cartridges from 1867 to 1970 or so. But any large rimfires probably died out in the 1940's.

I'd guess yours is 1870 to 1890. But I have fired large rimfires, so that just gives you an "earliest possible" but not a end date for when it may have been dropped.

Remington made rolling block rifles and pistols in .50 and .56/50 rimfire calibers, Spencer made rifles, Peabody made rifles. The single round firing pin strike is a clue to what fired it. I just don't know offfhand which used what shape pin(s).

 

[relic nut]

Thanks Charlie, great info!!