From a British perspective the earliest cartridges all date from 1865. Some of the ones that survived for a while are the .320 and .380 revolver cartridges which were also chambered in Rook rifles. I have an early small-size Snider rifle chambered for the .380.

The other obvious one is the .360 x 2.25" Express rifle cartridge. I have some original rounds that feature the separate brass case head fitted with a coiled brass body holding the black powder and bullet. This type of construction was also used for the British Army .577/ 450 round, but it was not reliable and often caused extraction problems - not good if a Zulu is charging you!

Later someone developed the technique of drawing one piece brass cases.

HB