Collector Ammo Value

[coltgrabber]

I need the value of the following boxes of ammo:
(1) Box of 20 Remington Arms Company 180 Grain Palma-Olympic Match .30 Springfield made in 1923.
(2) Boxes of Frankford Arsenal 1932, 1938, & 1939 .30 M1 Ball National Matches on clips.
(3) Box of Frankford Arsenal .30 Match dated 1957.

All boxes have shrink wrapping on them and as far as I can tell are full. The 1957 boxes are in excellent condition and the others very good.

[raymeketa]

I collect U.S. Match ammunition.

The Cal .30 (30-06) Match ammo is a specialized field of collecting so you do not have a lot of buyers waiting in line, especially for the more common boxes.

Shrink wrapping a box can be used to protect the box from wear and damage, but it can also be used to hide defects in both the box and ammunition. With the understanding that the value would depend a lot on the condition of the boxes and the ammo inside, I would say:

The 1957 Frankford Arsenal Match usually sells for $25 per carton, plus or minus. But a lot depends on the Lot Number, which you do not show. Some numbers are worth a little more than others, although maybe only $5 or so. Give me the lot number and I can tell you more.

Remington Palma-Olympic Match was actually used in 1924, not 1923. If the cartridges are headstamped REM-UMC 30-200-06, a full box would bring a premium, maybe as much as $50 to $75.

The 1938 and 1939 Frankford Arsenal National Match is fairly common. Value is only a little higher than the post-war stuff (above). Maybe $30 to $35.

The 1932 box of Frankford Arsenal National Match is less common and should bring a premium. But it is hard to say exactly what condition your box is in under the plastic wrap. And the condition of the cartridges, likewise.

Now, having given you my guess, I know that you often see boxes just like yours on the different auction sites with asking prices a lot higher. But, if you follow those auctions closely, which I do, you'll see that they never get any bids. Some boxes will be listed for years without a single bit of interest. So, don't judge values by what is being asked. Judge by those that actually sell.

Good Luck

Ray

[coltgrabber]

The lot number on the 1957 is FA 29 & I have three boxes. I have one box of 1932 Match, one box 1938, three boxes of 1939, and two boxes of the Palma Olympic Match. You can contact me direct at coltgrabber@yahoo.com if you are interested in buying it all.

[raymeketa]

The 1957 Match should be T291. That was the developmental version of the M72 that was adopted in 1958. No particular premium value. It's good ammo.

Ray

[coltgrabber]

Thanks for the assist!