Originally Posted by
emmagee1917
In mid-1888 a tin-plated brass cased, boxer primed cartridge became the standard. The tin plating inside the case was intended to increase the usable case life by slowing the galvanic reaction between the black powder and the brass case and preventing the the mercury fulminate in the primer from contacting the brass when fired. Tests later showed that the internal tinning lasted less than four years. The reason for the external tinning is simple - it's much easier to tin-plate an entire case than just a portion of it! Pattern 1888 production continued until 1898. Production for regular Army use ceased in 1895 but continued for reserve and militia use.
Chris