n Wed, 14 May 1997 Landuv@a... wrote:

> tools
> made by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.  In those three years I have
> started a nice collection of about 250 tools and hardware items.

Lanny,

Welcome. If you're ever in the San Jose California area visit the 
Winchester Mystery House. It is a wierd and wonderful manor owned by the 
widow of a Winchester heir. The "mystery" was based on a belief by the 
owner that the spirits of those dead, slain by Winchester fire arms 
haunted the place. The only way of expiation was to continuously build on 
and modify the place so that a tortorous floor plan resulted, supposedly 
baffling the departed.

One of the interesting exhibits there is a complete collection of
Winchester tools and other non-firearm products. The old lady was
definitely looney tunes but she had an extemely clever practical side and
developed a number of commercial patents that she was able to market. 

Definitely worth a visit for the rest of the place as well.

Don