This lot includes three original antique U.M.C. Co. Arrow 12-gauge shotgun shell advertising pinbacks manufactured by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company between 1901 and 1910. These authentic, die-stamped brass premiums feature a rich golden-brown patina with honest high-point wear, trace verdigris in the creases, and structural base metal visible underneath. Two of the pins retain their original straight-pin fasteners, while one pin is missing its rear backing attachment entirely. Each individual round badge measures approximately 3/4 of an inch in diameter (roughly 19 mm) to perfectly replicate a true 12-gauge shell head size. This rare set makes an exceptional addition for antique ammunition collectors, Remington history buffs, and turn-of-the-century firearms ephemera enthusiasts looking to elevate their display cases.
Historical Context For Collectors:The \"Arrow\" brand was originally introduced by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company (UMC) of Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1901 to serve as their premium, factory-loaded smokeless powder paper shotgun shell. To promote this top-tier ammunition, UMC manufactured these unique die-stamped pinbacks to hand out as promotional giveaways at hardware stores and shooting matches. Because these pins specifically bear the standalone \"U.M.C. CO.\" headstamp layout without any mention of Remington, they can be precisely dated to the pre-merger era between 1901 and 1910. In 1911, UMC merged with Remington Arms to form Remington-UMC, at which point the stamping on these promotional items was permanently changed to include the Remington name—making these standalone UMC variants highly prized, finite relics from the golden age of American firearms advertising.
The purchase includes the case, and will be shipped this way.
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