The Alamo part 2 - 2024

Sesquicentennial Chess Set

1986

This chess set was created by Studio Anne Carlton based out of Hull, England, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the siege and battle of the Alamo. The game board is of an inlaid wood type and each of the pieces has been hand cast in pewter and then hand painted.


The Studio also provided a key to the pieces:

Texans:

King - The Lone Star Flag, flag of the Republic of Texas

Queen - Col. William Barret Travis, Texas Regular Infantry

Bishop- Col. James Bowie, Texas Volunteer Corps

Knight - Col. David Crockett, Tennessee Volunteer Company

Castle- Cannon

Pawn - Texan Volunteer


Mexicans:

King - The national flag of The Republic of Mexico with Drum

Queen - Gen. Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna, President of Mexico

Bishop - Mexican Infantry Officer

Knight - Officer Mexican Border Cavalry

Castle - Cannon

Pawn - Private Mexican Infantry, "Activo De San Luis Potosi"

Mexican Officer's Belt Buckle

This style of belt buckle was produced for the Mexican Army from 1823 to the late 1830's. It could be used for both dress and field occasions by simply changing out the belt material. One thing that makes this buckle unique, is the symbol above the eagle. Typically the symbol above the eagle would consist of a "liberty cap", which represented freedom and liberty. In this example, we see that the cap has been switched for a cluster of seven balls. Scholars believe that this cluster of seven may have been chosen to symbolize the "Siete Leyes" (Seven Laws), that the Mexican government enacted to replace the federalist Constitution of 1824. It is uncertain to whom this buckle belonged too or if it had seen service on campaign.

Zuber Coin

This 18 karat gold coin is one of two that was created for the last two surviving veterans of the Battle of San Jacinto in 1909. This coin was presented to William Zuber, who was 16 years old at the time of the Battle.

Dickert Rifle

This .58 caliber Pennsylvania Long Rifle was made by famed gun maker Jacob Dickert in Lancaster Pennsylvania. The stock is made of curly maple or “tiger maple” which gets its name from the tiger like stripes running the length of the stock. Rifles of this style could be seen across the American frontier, seeing wide use in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. On March 6th, 1836 this rifle was found among the debris.

Alamo Commemorative Model Colt Pistols

1967

This matching set of Colt Pistols are a special edition of their Frontier- Single Action Army Model, created to commemorate the siege and battle of the Alamo. Produced in 1967 these pistols were available in .22 caliber, .45 caliber or in a combination set.


The pistols are finished in royal blue with gold plated cylinders, back straps, triggers, trigger guards and hammers. Also included was a special edition presentation case, made of blonde finished wood with the inside lined with blue velvet and satin. Branded on the cover was a famous Alamo battle scene.


These firearms are true collectors items, with only 500 made in .45 caliber and 2,000 made in .22 caliber.


In 1967 these pistols were presented to the Alamo by Richard H. McMahon, Marketing Vice President of Colt Firearms.

Sesquicentennial Banjo

After the centennial, the next important celebration of Texas independence was the sesquicentennial, or 150-year anniversary, in 1986. The Deering Banjo Company made a line of commemorative banjos to honor this important milestone in Texas history. There are details on all surfaces of this instrument that represent important parts of Texas history and culture.

Clara Driscoll's DRT Past Presidents Pin

A Past Presidents Pin from The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, was worn by those who had served in that capacity for the organization. This specific pin was worn by Clara Driscoll, who played an integral role in saving and preserving the historic Alamo Church and Long Barrack buildings. Ms. Driscoll served as the DRT State President from 1927 - 1931 and again in 1935 - 1937.


The pin was donated by the Robert Driscoll and Julia Driscoll and Robert Driscoll, Jr. Foundation through the assistance of the Clara Driscoll Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Alamo Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin

1986

This coin was struck by the San Antonio Sesquicentennial Committee in honor of the 150 year anniversary of the Siege and Battle of the Alamo.


The face of the coin reads "Alamo Encampment, 1836 - 1986, Cradle of Texas Liberty", inscribed on the reverse side it reads, "City of San Antonio, Sesquicentennial Committee, Texas Independence Week".

The Alamo collection of artifacts

Phil Collins Collection

British rock star Phil Collins has penned numerous #1 and Top Ten hits on the record charts.

Immerse yourself in 10,000 square feet of new gallery space with more than 500 artifacts – many on display for the first time!
The two-story, 24,000 square foot Ralston Family Collections Center has been built on the grounds, behind the iconic Alamo Church, to the east of the Gift Shop in the Alamo gardens. It has been prudently designed so its construction will not obstruct the breathtaking view of the Church from Alamo Plaza.

The Ralston Family Collections Center is not a replacement for the upcoming Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, which is on track for a 2027 launch. Once the museum opens, artifacts in the Collections Center will move to the museum. The Collections Center will then become home to traveling exhibits to further educate and engage visitors. 

Thanks for stopping by today.

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All images are the exclusive property of the State of Texas by and through the Texas General Land Office as managed by Alamo Trust, Inc. (ATI) for the use and benefit of the Alamo. These images are protected by applicable copyright law. In no event shall recipient publish, retransmit, redistribute, or otherwise reproduce any images in any format. These images are for personal use only and any other use requires approval and written permission by ATI.

Membership Benefits

All Friends of the Alamo memberships last for one year and include the following benefits:

Free admission to the new Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center
10% discount on daily Alamo Tours and Experiences
10% discount at the Alamo Gift Shop
Digital Membership Card
Invitation to members only events, such as the Travis Letter Preview
Advance notice of special events and programs, such as Evening with Heroes
Subscription to The Alamo Messenger, our monthly e-newsletter featuring must-read articles for the Texas history enthusiast
Join today and receive an Official Friends of the Alamo car decal!