I think it is, at least. Can anybody put an approximate date range on this? What do these sell for nowadays? The only ones I can find that are similar are shotshell boxes.
I am guessing only, but would think the quickest way to narrow it down would be cross referencing that specific ammo to find a DOM... I'll have to see if I can dig out my Winchester Cartridge Boxes book by Giles/Shuey
Rory, certainly not an expert, but I’ve had 10-15 wooden Winchester ammo boxes over the years (still have a bunch). The oldest wooden boxes are dovetailed. Not based on anything, but I’d say your box with the nails is post war. Prices are all over the place depending upon condition and what caliber ammo they held and as always how badly someone wants one. $50.00 - $75.00, but have seen them go for double that on the auction sites. There are a lot more Shotshell boxes.
Yeah, I've seen earlier crates with the dovetailed joints. I wouldn't be surprised if it was from the 50's, but wouldn't be surprised if it was from the 30's either. I paid a bit more than that range, but that's okay.. I wanted it.
Most of the old boxes had what are called finger joints, although someone may have made some with dovetails. Personally I have never seen a box with dovetails. I have two wooden boxes that were cases of Dupont dynamite. They are about 2' x 3'. I would like to know what they weighed when full?