Need a little OLD Ideal mold history info

[texassako]

When did Ideal standardize the numbering system? If I read it correctly, the No. 9 catalog in 1897? What would a 30C marked on the sprue plate mold be before then? Mold looks a lot like a 311157, 3084(168gr version), or 30815, but it is not here yet. Would be interesting to know just how old and what it was made for (.30 WCF, Marlin, etc.)

[Catshooter]

Well, from what I can tell, never did. I mean they sorta did, but not really.

Sometimes when a bullet was discontinued they would re-use the number.

They used to use the same numbering system for round ball moulds instead of just the diameter.

They also used them out of sequence. For instance we all know that the (429)421 was Elmer Keiths baby and it was created in the late 20s early 30s. Then along comes the (358)156 by Thompson which (I think) was in the 50s.

Now as far as answering your question about the 30C someone may come along and help you with that shortly.

Good luck. :)


Cat

[texassako]

It ended up being marked 38 306, or more recently the 375166 I think. I guess they used a system like Barlow used at Winchester before coming up with the system people recognize today. Pretty neat and casts a pretty good .375" ~300 grain bullet. There are rivets at the ends of the handles holding the wood on.