The earliest shotshell box we have seen featuring a wild turkey is dated 1886-1887 by the shotshell collectors we consulted. The Audubon-esque turkey is prominently featured on the 10-gauge Winchester box. "Turkey Cartridges Winchester Rival Paper Shells" is the headline, along with "Water Proofed" as a benefit advertised. Sadly, all we have are photos; this box may be the only one that exists yet. It is featured in Howard Harlan's 1994 book "Turkey Calls, An Enduring American Folk Art" and in David Kowalski's 2000 "Standard Winchester Catalog". Given its significance and rarity, the shell box is valued at several thousand dollars.
