This specific type of cartridge typically features special markings or packaging related to the iconic American actor, often produced in limited quantities. As a .32-40 Winchester center-fire rifle cartridge, it is suitable for lever-action rifles chambered for this round, although its collectible nature often supersedes its use as a practical shooting round.
The historical context of the .32-40 cartridge itself adds to the appeal of these commemorative items. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the .32-40 was used in rifles such as the Winchester Model 1873 and the Marlin Model 1893, firearms frequently associated with the American West portrayed in many of John Wayne’s films. Such commemorative editions offer collectors a tangible link to both firearms history and a celebrated figure of American cinema. These items often appreciate in value, making them attractive to enthusiasts of firearms memorabilia and Western film aficionados.