<ARTICLE> 5

<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Balance
Sheet as of September 30, 1997 and the related statement of income for the 
year-to-date ended September 30, 1997.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                           2,674
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   90,923
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,438
<INVENTORY>                                     99,872
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               209,107
<PP&E>                                          52,596
<DEPRECIATION>                                  31,311
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 305,003
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          103,750
<BONDS>                                         60,000 <F1>
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                          115,991 <F2>
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            64
<OTHER-SE>                                      (3097)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   305,003
<SALES>                                        529,199
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               529,199
<CGS>                                          315,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  185,046
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    83
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,148
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,587
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 20,510
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (8,932)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             29,442
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (3,392)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    26,050
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.35
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.35
        
<FN>
<F1> Bonds represents all long-term debt for Senior Notes

<F2> Represents Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Corporation's
     junior subordinated debentures.
</FN>