An exceptional, highly desirable piece of early 20th-century firearms and ammunition ephemera. This authentic, unbacked wool felt store counter mat was issued by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company (U.M.C. Co.) of Bridgeport, Connecticut, prior to their permanent consolidation into Remington-UMC in 1911.
Measuring approximately 13" x 10.5", these mats were strategically placed on glass showcases or wooden counters in hardware stores and gun shops. They served a dual purpose: providing an eye-catching advertising space for premium ammunition while protecting firearms and loose coinage from scratching store displays.
The mat showcases bold, iconic typography and lithographic illustrations detailing U.M.C.’s primary 12-Gauge paper shell lines:
"Nitro Club" Bulk Smokeless Powder "Nitro Club" Dense Smokeless Powder ("Recommended for Trap and Field Shooting")Unlike modern replicas printed on canvas, rubber, or thin cloth, this item consists of raw, heavy-weave organic felt with direct-to-textile lithograph inks typical of authentic turn-of-the-century manufacturing.
Condition Report
Overall Grade: Very Good / Fine Antique Condition.
Graphics: Impeccable color preservation. The prominent red "U.M.C." text and detailed multi-line black lettering remain remarkably crisp, deep, and fully legible with minimal fading. Patina & Wear: Shows honest, historic store-use character. A tiny, shallow moth track is visible along the upper edge of the letter "C" in the U.M.C. logo, confirming the organic wool composition without puncturing the fabric. Minor, fully set and stable grease/oil spots are present along the field, typical of a working hardware store environment. Stability: The original lithographic inks are structurally stable and fully intact with zero flaking or degradation. The mat has been safely handled, kept perfectly flat, and exhibits excellent structural integrity across the main field and perimeter edges.
Manufacturer: Union Metallic Cartridge Co., Bridgeport, Conn. Era: Edwardian / Pre-WWI (Circa 1900-1911)
Material: Unbacked Wool Felt
Dimensions: 13" x 10.5"
Subject: 12-Gauge Nitro Club Shotgun Shells
