TheWinchesterStore.com
Article 1

This display contains some of the more recent "Winchester" fakes that have surfaced and some long-standing ones also. These items were not produced by W.R.A.C.O. ("Winchester Repeating Arms Co." of New Haven, Conn.), nor by any of its surviving companies or any of its "Licenses". These are pure, out and out fraudulent items, whose only purpose is to deceive the public and to profit the "makers themselves". Some of them are quite good in their appearance and others are very amateurish. Hence, with some experience, some are quite easily discovered and others are not. They generally fall into two (2) categories:

1. FAKES: ie-An item that was not produced by W.R.A.Co. (For instance a flat open end wrench, then the original manufacturers name is removed and a "WINCHESTER" trademark installed.) In more recent cases, the stamp or die used for this purpose is quite good and it is applied with much greater precision than those of previous years. In many cases the items used are a little different from the "original Winchester product", or the positioning of the stamping, or the size of the stamp (in proportion to the surface area), isn't done in the usual "WINCHESTER" manner. Remember, "WINCHESTER" was a very good merchandising company, with high quality products that were advertised extensively, usually carried a premium price and their "trademark" was quite prominent and well executed.
2. FANTASY ITEMS: ie-Items or products that "WINCHESTER" never produced that are now being stamped with the "WINCHESTER" trademark stamp. The FIRST RULE to remember is that: if a stamp could be produced back in the 1920's, then it can and has been reproduced. Also these thieves (which is exactly what these people are) are using some original factory stamps, A very common pitch is that the item is a "one of a kind" (implying scarcity and high value), and since the "buyer" hasn't seen one before the pitch (and greed) start to take over from common sense and caution. REMEMBER, THE BEST RULE FOR ANYTHING OF THIS NATURE IS if it's just too good to believe, then just maybe it is! (To good to believe).

Some "faking" has gone on for years, in the collecting field, and since 'WINCHESTER" has always carried a premium price, this has unfortunately lent itself as a target to these thieves. The more recent and continuous price increases have accelerated this trend, and now, the recent technological improvements in copying (especially paper items) have only further accelerated this process. For years certain guns have lent themselves to being "upgraded" in either wood or engraving, or in the case of a Model 12 (changing a 16g. to a 28g). The high prices for these items has always meant that you need to be an "expert", get an "expert opinion" or buy from a "reputable dealer" who will stand behind their merchandise. This now applies to the "tool, and especially the advertising" aspects of "WINCHESTER" collecting.

As a dedicated and serious collector myself, I have started a small display to help others determine those fakes and to seek the identification and punishment for the offenders. Each and every one of us can help by pursuing these people or information about them at every auction, letter, newsletters etc. In the Midwest, a recent (2 year old) club has been formed for those with a common interest in hardware companies and their products: especially "WINCHESTER", "KEEN KUTTER", and "DIAMOND EDGE". One of the expressed interests of its membership is the identification and dissemination of information about "fakes. This club has a growing membership, with annual meetings, officer(s) and a newsletter. Contact regarding membership can be directed to "THCKK (The Hardware Companies Kollectors Klub)", membership chairman-LARRY EASTLEY, THCKK, Box65, and Hardin, Mo. 64305 or via the Internet http://www.raycounty.com/simmons/clubs/newsletter.htm or the email address: simmons_auction@raycounty.com

In addition the "Olin Corporation" East Alton, Illinois (which owns the trademark, copyrights and licensing rights) will vigorously pursue protecting their trademark and is very interested in pursuing anyone who is infringing on its rights. Olin will follow up on good leads and investigate these matters.

Olin Corporation will not, and cannot tolerate infringement on any of its trademarks and intends to take all necessary legal steps to protect its rights against infringement. Trademark Infringements are referred to their legal staff and action is taken accordingly.

Contact can be made with:
Vicki Bednar, Marketing Manager-Licensed Products
427 N. Shamrock Street
East Alton, Illinois 62024
618.258.2365
Email:VLBednar@corp.olin.com

A lot of us can and are having a great time collecting and swapping information regarding these fine old companies products and enjoying their tradition. Lets all take the little extra time and effort to make this a better "hobby" and get those "imposters" out of here!

Thomas I. Melcher (Tim)
918.786.8500
Email: tmelcher@greencis.net

File(winchester-fakes-tim 11-5-97)