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January 6, 2026
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Hi all, new member here with a unique find: hundreds of pages of original 1930/40’s typed memos, letters, and signed correspondence from the Winchester VP, Edwin Pugsley. Many topics including development, performance, prototypes, hardware, and more— Correspondence with Captain Crossman, Olin, War Department and many more!
I’ve included a few photo links. Seeking advice on rarity and potential value. Thanks! -Ed
Correspondence sample: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1rG6XBubG0Pq6H
Winchester Flashlight Sales Manual: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1rGWZuqDGx0Gz8
Winchester Knife Sales Manual: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1r5qXGF1u1eDv
Original Harold F. Williamson Manuscript of “Winchester: The gun that won the west”: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1rG4TcsmGUCl1l
June 1, 2023
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That is a great find! May I ask where (and how) you acquired it? It would be wonderful if some of that ended up in the museum in Cody, so that present and future researchers would have access to that treasure trove.
Thank you for sharing some of the info here at WACA.
BRP
August 27, 2014
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Good Stuff
“If you can’t convince them, confuse them”
President Harry S. Truman
November 19, 2006
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Perhaps included is Williamson’s original type-written manuscript?
April 15, 2005
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What media format is this treasure trove of information in…. paper, microfilm, or digital? Do you have a detailed inventory or list of all the documents in this archive? Without a lot more information about the complete contents, it is not possible to provide any advice regarding the potential value.
Bert – WACA Historian
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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No matter what this is worth it belongs in the Cody Firearms Museum. This way all collectors could share the info. It could make a good tax write off?
November 19, 2006
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As Bert indicates, we would need much more detail.
And aspect of significance to me would be how much of this information or materials have previously not been known? For example, does the museum in Cody already have them.
January 6, 2026
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Blue Ridge Parson said
That is a great find! May I ask where (and how) you acquired it? It would be wonderful if some of that ended up in the museum in Cody, so that present and future researchers would have access to that treasure trove.
Thank you for sharing some of the info here at WACA.
BRP
I purchased the lot at a small CT auction in New Haven county several years ago. There were some Remington press photos from the 1930-40s that caught my eye, but just recently realized the significance of the additional items. They all appear to be original possibly from his personal files.
January 6, 2026
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steve004 said
Perhaps included is Williamson’s original type-written manuscript?steve004 said
Perhaps included is Williamson’s original type-written manuscript?
Here is a link to what i believe is the original typed draft, possibly given to Edwin for review. As you can see, it has a different title, but most of the chapters line up with the published book.
August 27, 2014
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Great Stuff!
It pays to be in the right place at the right time
“If you can’t convince them, confuse them”
President Harry S. Truman
January 6, 2026
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Bert H. said
What media format is this treasure trove of information in…. paper, microfilm, or digital? Do you have a detailed inventory or list of all the documents in this archive? Without a lot more information about the complete contents, it is not possible to provide any advice regarding the potential value.
Bert – WACA Historian
It is hundreds of full conversations, all paper with actual signatures and notation, along with the original received letters or memo’s he was answering. Some of these are handwritten some are typed, but also all appear original. It was in folders some are full of correspondence between Edwin and Crossman, some folders contain nothing but mailed letters to Winchester asking him questions or sharing feedback about specific firearms, along with his replies back to them. They are all from 1930-1950 on period paper, letterheads etc. I am in the process of creating an inventory list.
April 15, 2005
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Edcamera said
Bert H. said
What media format is this treasure trove of information in…. paper, microfilm, or digital? Do you have a detailed inventory or list of all the documents in this archive? Without a lot more information about the complete contents, it is not possible to provide any advice regarding the potential value.
Bert – WACA Historian
It is hundreds of full conversations, all paper with actual signatures and notation, along with the original received letters or memo’s he was answering. Some of these are handwritten some are typed, but also all appear original. It was in folders some are full of correspondence between Edwin and Crossman, some folders contain nothing but mailed letters to Winchester asking him questions or sharing feedback about specific firearms, along with his replies back to them. They are all from 1930-1950 on period paper, letterheads etc. I am in the process of creating an inventory list.
I would be very interested in reviewing that list after you have it completed.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 6, 2026
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steve004 said
As Bert indicates, we would need much more detail.
And aspect of significance to me would be how much of this information or materials have previously not been known? For example, does the museum in Cody already have them.
Great question… I’m fairly confident these are the original’s, but i guess they could have copies. Would you know the right person to contact at Cody to talk to?
April 15, 2005
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Edcamera said
steve004 said
As Bert indicates, we would need much more detail.
And aspect of significance to me would be how much of this information or materials have previously not been known? For example, does the museum in Cody already have them.
Great question… I’m fairly confident these are the original’s, but i guess they could have copies. Would you know the right person to contact at Cody to talk to?
McCracken Research Library – Buffalo Bill Center of the West
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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McCracken Library at CFM has quite a few Pugsley letters, he seemed to enjoy writing them and it’s no surprise he kept copies. Remember they didn’t have a Xerox copier down the hall in those days!
Mike
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