PRIMED CARTRIDGES FOR S&W ARMY REVOLVER. These unopened boxes each contain 12 "Martin" cartridges. The cartridges were developed for use in the Smith & Wesson No. 3 revolvers which became very popular and were used by such notable Western personalities as Wyatt Earp & "Buffalo Bill" Cody. These early cartridges are copper cased & use the Martin patented internal priming system. The priming is internal and the cartridge case appears to be a rimfire rather than a center fire. This system did not allow for reloading a fired case as was done by the U.S. Military and by civilian users. It was shortly replaced by the Berdan & Boxer priming systems used today. The tan cartridge boxes measuring approx. 3" X 1 1/2" X 1" retain their pull string openers. The boxes have clear legible markings on top. One box is marked: "12 "MARTIN" Cartridges for Smith & Wesson's Army Revolver, Calibre .44: Power, 25 grains. Bullet, 225 grains. FRANKFORD ARSENAL, PA., JUNE, 1871. Patented March 28, 1869, February 14,1871". The Second box is marked similarly except for having "National Armory, Springfield, Mass. APRIL, 1871" in place of "Frankford Arsenal ...". CONDITION: the cartridges were unable to be examined due to the sealed condition of the boxes. The boxes are professionally shrink wrapped but have a very high condition & legible markings. There are sm. scattered stains expected on cartridge boxes of this vintage. PROVENANCE: The Collection of Edward Scott Meadows. (02-22103/RW). $1,000-1,500.