The First Shot

[Jack Nessan]

Mr. Frazier: These three cartridge cases [CE-543, CE-544, and CE-545] were placed one at a time on the comparison microscope, and the surfaces having the breech-face marks or the bolt marks were compared with those on the test cartridge cases, Exhibit 557. As a result of comparing the pattern of microscopic markings on the test cartridge cases and those marks on Exhibits 543, 544, and 545, both of the face of the bolt and the firing pin, I concluded that these three had been fired in this particular weapon [Oswald's Carcano].

The firing pin did strike the primer on CE 543 but the shell casing was being used as a snap cap to protect the firing pin. No bullet or powder is present in the shell casing.

This is what the WC was postulating in their conclusion when it was suggested one shell casing was used for dryfiring. The firing pin would have struck the primer and left a mark. It was common knowledge to use a shell casing to protect the firing pin from overextending in the bolt and breaking the firing pin at the base. CE 543 is the only shell casing lacking the chambering mark on its side out of the 30+ viewed by Josiah Thompson.

 Dr E Forest Chapman after having viewed the shells in the Archives wrote an article published in the New American detailing the use of CE 543 for just the purpose of dryfiring. Dr Joseph Nicols gave testimony to the WC on the very subject of dryfiring.