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During the untamed years of the Wild West,
the Texas Rangers rode as lone defenders of justice. They were often the
only protection on the frontier for settlers facing hostile Indians, cattle
rustlers, bandits and gunslingers. And time after time, the men with the
badges proved worthy of every challenge. Their exploits made the Rangers one
of the most famous and respected crime-fighting forces anywhere in the
world.
As the nation entered the 20th century, the
state of Texas found itself on the frontlines of a Mexican revolution, a
surge in bootlegging and a population boom sparked by the discovery of oil.
The Rangers faced new breeds of criminal and new kinds of crime. But with
the same courage and discipline that served them on the frontier, justice
triumphed and the Texas Rangers secured their legacy as true American
heroes.
Now America Remembers is pleased to announce
an exclusive new Tribute honoring the unequaled bravery and dedication of
the Texas Rangers: The Texas Ranger Tribute Thompson. This exciting new
issue is the first time America Remembers has celebrated the Ranger legacy
with a handsomely decorated, working Thompson Semi-Automatic submachine gun.
Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project decorate each working
Thompson in sparkling 24-karat gold and nickel with a blackened patinaed
background to highlight the details of the artwork.
Not only is the Texas Ranger Tribute Thompson
available exclusively from America Remembers, it is also being offered in
cooperation with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas.
For more than 40 years, their mission has been to honor distinguished Texas
Rangers, and Rangers who have given their lives in the service of the people
of Texas. They continue to promote, among present and future generations, a
pride and interest in the Texas Rangers and the heritage of the American
West.
The Thompson – “On the Side of Law and Order”
In 1915, as the brutal fighting of World War
I raged, retired Army General John T. Thompson began research on a weapon
that would put more firepower in the hands of Allied men on the frontlines.
But the first Thompson submachine gun prototypes weren’t ready to ship until
November 11, 1918… the day the Great War ended.
In the absence of a global conflict, the
Thompson was immediately touted as the ultimate crime fighting tool. It was
described as an ideal weapon for the protection of large estates, ranches
and plantations, which was certainly appealing to the Rangers, whose
jurisdiction spread out for hundreds of miles in every direction. The
promises of the Thompson being “simple, safe, sturdy and sure in action”
proved true, allowing it to secure a distinctive history with the Texas
Rangers in their brave efforts to uphold law and order. To this day the
Thompson remains one of the most widely recognized and respected firearms in
the world.
Only 300 Available
Only 300 Texas Ranger Tribute Thompsons will
be issued in this strictly limited edition available exclusively through
America Remembers.
The distinguished history of the Texas Rangers has been more than 175 years
in the making. Don’t miss your opportunity to own a classic American firearm
honoring the contribution of these unwavering American heroes, who fought to
preserve law and order in the Lone Star State.
Reservations for the Texas Ranger Tribute
Thompson will be accepted in the order they are received. We will arrange
delivery of your working Thompson through a licensed firearms dealer of your
choice. And, as always, if you are not completely satisfied with your
Tribute after personal inspection, you may return it in original, unfired
condition within thirty days for a complete and courteous refund.
The Texas Ranger Tribute Thompson proudly
honors the courage, sacrifice and service of these true legends of United
States law enforcement. This is your chance to own a piece of Texas history,
a piece of American history and an enduring testament to the strength and
integrity of those who sacrificed all to preserve law and order.
On both sides of the Tribute is a
highly-detailed Texas Ranger badge. Featuring the familiar Lone Star of
Texas, it is inscribed with decorative scrollwork and etched with the proud
designation of “Texas Ranger.”
Left side features a Ranger sitting atop his
horse. For the Texas Rangers, horses were absolutely necessary for covering
the wide expanses of land that made up the Lone Star State. The central
image depicts a proud Texas Ranger posing alongside a trio of confiscated
liquor stills. Alongside, a banner reads, “Prohibition” and “Gambling,” two
of the greatest problems for the Rangers during the early decades of the
20th century. Prominently featured is a heroic portrait of Captain Manuel
“Lone Wolf” Gonzaullas beside a flowing banner bearing his name. A legend
among the Rangers, Gonzaullas earned his reputation for acting much like a
one-man army against the rampant crime spree in the 1920s and 30s.
Right side features two Rangers pictured
beside an official Ranger car and horse trailer, which both stand as fitting
symbols of the two historic eras policed by the Rangers. Featured across the
center is a sweeping banner reading, “Texas Rangers” and “They Knew Their
Duty and They Did It,” separated by the iconic “star in a wheel” badge
design. This famous quote comes from John S. “Rip” Ford, a legendary Ranger.
Behind the banner, a field of oil derricks sprouts up like a city skyline.
Also featured is a block of building fronts that represent the typical Texas
boomtown. On the far right a group of five Rangers is featured standing at
the ready with their weapons of choice, including a couple Thompsons. All
artwork is featured in 24-karat gold and nickel with a blackened patinaed
background.
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