Latest issue of the WACA magazine|General Discussions & Questions|Forum|Winchester Collector

I have collected Winchester guns, ammunition, reloading tools and various pieces of advertising for over 50 years.  I thought I had seen it all, until I read the article in the summer issue of the collectors magazine.  Anyone who has collected anything Winchester must appreciate this article by Jennifer and Cary Cole.  My hat is off to them for writing of such things and especially to David Kruse and his “OUT STANDING” collection.  David, you have done something most of us only dream about.  I love collecting the items I mentioned above and have a large collection to illustrate that fact, but you have gone far above and beyond.  Your dream of recreating an Original Winchester Store is to say the very least, extraordinary.  I’ve seen some “to die for” collections in my life, but they fall far short of what you have accomplished.  When I was growing up in Kalispell, Montana, we had the Kalispell Mercantile, which was at one time a Winchester Store.  As a youngster, I would walk over the squeaky old oak floors and stand in awe, as I looked at all the remnants of what was left of the old Winchester displays.  I think this is what pushed me toward being lifelong collector of antique guns and western memorabilia.  It has not only formed a collection, but a passion.  It literally changed my life and who I am.  Now, as I get older, I find it is time to sell off some of these precious items, so it won’t be a burden to my family.  Having said all that, it is wonderful to see someone who is as passionate about their collecting as I am.  Not very many of us left.  My compliments to you for following through with your vision.  Wonderful stuff.