This Western-Winchester Model No. 3 Gallery Tube Loader is a purpose-built accessory designed for the efficient loading of .22 Short cartridges into gallery rifle loading tubes, widely used in mid-20th century shooting galleries and training environments. Manufactured circa 1941 through the late 1950s under the Western Cartridge Company, a division of Olin Industries, this example retains its original industrial form with cast metal construction and a brass maker’s plate. The unit features multiple serial numbers, including 3444D1 on the hopper, 5413 on the central structure, and 3444C4 on the base.

The design operates by pouring cartridges into the circular hopper, then rotating the assembly so rounds orient nose-down and feed into a loading tube below. This system allowed gallery operators to quickly and consistently charge rifles such as Winchester gallery models, reducing downtime and increasing throughput. Included with the loader is a group of period-related paperwork consisting of a Western-Winchester brochure, gallery ammunition literature, and a newspaper advertisement clipping, all of which help contextualize its original use. Also included are approximately 275 rounds of .22 Short cartridges, showing light tarnish and age consistent with storage.

Condition shows honest use with visible patina and wear across the metal surfaces, consistent with a working gallery tool. The brass plate remains legible with some surface wear. The included cartridges show typical age-related discoloration but remain intact. Please note that the cartridge stop spring is no longer stops cartridges from falling out after the magazine tube is removed. Overall, this is a very scarce and mechanically interesting piece of gallery shooting history, offering both display and historical value.