antique Winchester tool box, brass & wood case for auger drill bits, 1898 patent

Antique wood and brass box for auger type wood drill bits. It measures about 11" x 4" x 2" with brass hinges and hook latch. We've been told that it is a Winchester box, no name plate but marked as Patented May 1898 (or maybe 1899?).

This box is in nice condition.

The drill bits are a mixed lot and not original to the case (although they came to us with it. They are rusty and have been painted over at some time with aluminum paint. We don't think they have any value, but are including them anyway.