What do I have here ?

[Digger]

I can barely make out the stamping on it ,
but it seems to say "Winchester" ....
a 457 ...
All one piece .. sorry i did not take a picture of the cavity, but it still has sharp edges, good shape.
Just curious as to how old it might be ?
172032172033172034

[Wayne Smith]

Evaporust is your friend. I don't know how long Winchester continued making molds but I know it was well into the Ideal period. That's either for the Colt or the 45-70 cartridge, they probably made molds for both, but I know they made molds for the 45-70.

[Bent Ramrod]

The calibers on Winchester moulds were stamped on the handles. The "457214" stamp on the blocks is aftermarket, and it looks like the stop for the sprue plate is as well. Can't tell if the blocks have been shortened (the Winchester lettering should be in the middle of the block) but I would guess that the original cavity has been recherried.

The earliest Winchester moulds came out in the 1870's and were brass, then iron, with no wood handles. The wood handles were put on beginning in the mid or late 80's, IIRC.

[Digger]

....thank you so much gentlemen .
always learning more and love the history.