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                     AWARENESS LETTER OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK


Tristar Corporation
San Antonio, Texas

Ladies and Gentlemen:

RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 33-45396

With respect to the subject registration statement, we acknowledge our
awareness of the use therein of our report dated January 5, 1996 related to our
review of interim financial information.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, such report is not
considered part of a registration statement prepared or certified by an
accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the
meaning of sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

Very truly yours,

KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

San Antonio, Texas
January 18, 1996