Abstract: The casings are guided through a supply duct to a sorting roller which possesses an arresting duct with a pin extending axially and, in the same cross-sectional plane, a transit duct. Those casings which arrive with the casing base directed upwardly penetrate into the arresting duct, with the case base resting on the free end of the pin. On subsequent rotation of the sorting roller through 180.degree., the casing falls into the outlet duct with base directed downwardly. Casings, which arrive with base pointing downwardly, run up against the pin and rest on the periphery of the roller until, after 180.degree. rotation of the transit duct, they align with the supply duct and can fall unhindered into the outlet duct. All casings fall into the outlet duct with their base directed downwardly.