THIS ISSUE IS CLOSED
“Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has blessed my vision” – Sam Houston
There’s a saying that “everything is bigger in the Lone Star State,” yet the biggest thing in Texas can’t be measured. It’s not seen or held, but felt in the heart. It’s Texas pride. Ask any Texan and they’ll tell you that life in the Lone Star State is something you have to experience for yourself. Texans are proud of their state, and for a Texan, there is no place like Texas.
Almost 200 years ago, this land of opportunity attracted settlers, pioneers and dreamers looking for a fresh start. But you didn’t make it in Texas without the ability to hold your chin high and dig in your boot heels. Life in Texas was tough. Fortunately, Texans proved themselves even tougher.
Texas history is a story of heroes. We all know them by name – Stephen Austin, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and Sam Houston, as well as legendary Texas Rangers like “Jack” Hays and “Bigfoot” Wallace. The brave deeds of these Texans became American legend. Aside from the history books, the real Texas legends were the ordinary folks who became extraordinary by struggling, surviving, and succeeding. These adventurers accepted the challenge of the wild frontier and fought for independence, freedom, and the right to live life on their own terms. Texans continue today to set an example for Americans as strong supporters of individual liberties and freedoms. As much as they love Texas, they love America.
Today, America Remembers proudly introduces the Proud to Be a Texan Tribute Pistol, honoring the great state of Texas. This Tribute is a working Colt® Government Model® Pistol in caliber .45 ACP, and showcases important and iconic symbols of Texan pride. This handsome presentation firearm is a stunning salute to the Lone Star State. Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers decorate each pistol in sparkling 24-karat gold artwork on a highly polished and gleaming nickel slide. Issued in a limited edition of 300 Tributes, we expect this edition to be popular with collectors.
A Legendary American Firearm – The Classic Colt .45 Pistol
Samuel Colt and Texas share a fascinating history. Like Texans, Colt fought hard to see his dream become a reality. Samuel Colt’s first revolver, the Paterson, was used in Texas in the 1830’s. The Paterson is perhaps most famous for a skirmish that Captain Jack Hays and the Texas Rangers had with Comanche warriors in the early 1840’s. The Texas Rangers were impressed with the Patersons, and worked with Samuel Colt on a new design – the legendary Walker Revolver, which established Colt as a successful firearms manufacturer. With Colt’s deep connection to Texan history, we felt a Colt firearm would be the perfect choice for this Tribute.
As you probably know, Colt firearms are considered by many to be the most desirable of American firearms. Because our collectors appreciate the finer things in life, we felt there was no better canvas for the Proud to Be a Texan Tribute than the Colt® Government Model® .45. It is an American-made firearm legend that defended our liberty through major world wars and history-making conflicts. No firearm in history can boast a more impressive record of American military service. This powerful Colt .45 was designated as America’s official sidearm for our country’s Armed Forces in 1911. More than a century later, it is still considered by generations of American Veterans to be the best and most powerful military sidearm ever issued, and continues in use even today.
A Handsome Texas Tribute
In the fine tradition of handsomely designed presentation firearms, we have worked to make each Proud to Be a Texan Tribute Pistol a museum-quality masterpiece. The Tribute is a work of art in blued steel, with both sides of the slide handsomely polished and decorated in 24-karat gold on a gleaming nickel-decorated background. In every phase of its conception, design and execution, we have held fast to the goal of creating a powerful and worthy tribute to the Texan spirit.
The Yellow Rose of Texas
For this Tribute, we wanted to feature a pair of grips that would special and unique. The beautiful yellow rose is symbolic of the romantic legends and colorful characters that detail the rich history of this great state. While nobody knows for sure, some believe that the ever-popular song, “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” refers to a young woman named Emily, who became a hero after helping to “distract” General Santa Anna and giving General Sam Houston an advantage during the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, securing Texas’s independence. Whether this story is true or not, the yellow rose is powerfully connected to the great state of Texas.
Featured on the hand-painted, faux ivory grips, are two steer skulls and a “Texas” headline in bold, capital letters. Since the early days of the frontier, cattle have roamed the Texan plains. The steer skulls have come to symbolize the Texan heritage, and they can be found on display throughout the state, painted on walls, and on everything from belt buckles to bolo ties. The grip screws are also polished and clad in 24-karat gold, accentuating the spectacular yellow rose and the magnificent steer skulls.
Proud to be a Texan
It took tough people to build the great state of Texas and some of the toughest were the men who worked the land. The image of a cowboy roping a steer captures the active, hardworking spirit of a Texas rancher. Not much has changed over the decades for many of the men who make a living on horseback. The sun still beats down without mercy, the dust still gets thick as fog and Longhorns remain as stubborn as ever. With imposing horns that can extend as wide as seven feet from end to end, the Longhorn defines Texas toughness. Cowboys led massive herds on the Chisholm Trail, a dangerous route that led from southern Texas to a Kansas railhead in Abilene, which helped establish cowboys and ranchers as Texas legends.
The left side of the slide features a banner that reads “Proud to be a Texan,” flowing over spiky yucca plants, through a wagon wheel, and across an outline of the state of Texas, which features a Lone Star. Also featured is the distinctive silhouette of El Capitan. This majestic rock formation was used as a signal peak by early travelers who made their way across the unforgiving landscape. Today it stands as a reminder of the majesty and vastness of Texan territory.
The rear panels on both sides of the slide feature banners that read: “Texas On My Heart,” capturing Texans’ love for their state. These loyal feelings first stirred during the battle for independence from Mexico, and still beat strong from the panhandle to the Gulf.
Texas Proud: Always & Forever
The right side of the slide features a diamondback rattlesnake coiled around a banner that reads, “Texas Proud – Always & Forever.” A powerful symbol of the rugged west, the rattlesnake represents the fighting spirit and fierce individuality of Texas. The sound of a diamondback rattle and the sight of its venomous fangs deliver a clear warning to “back off.” It only attacks when its enemy crosses a line.
During the 20th century, oil derricks sprung up everywhere in Texas. The dramatic discovery of oil at Spindletop kicked off the beginning of a new era for the state, and Texas became a petroleum powerhouse almost overnight. Everything big in Texas got even bigger, and new legends were born.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Texas Tribute without the nine-banded armadillo. The only species of armadillo that exists in North America, this unusual-looking creature has become a sort of secondary mascot for the Lone Star State. Despite their unusual appearance, armadillos are incredibly adaptable animals that have proven themselves experts at surviving harsh conditions. It’s only appropriate that such a thick-skinned, tough character can call Texas home.
Optional Display Case
An optional high-quality display case is also available. The locking glass lid protects against dust and unauthorized handling. The glass lid locks with a brass key, and the case liner is custom-contoured to securely hold your pistol in place.
Secure Your Piece of Texas History Today
The Proud to Be a Texan Tribute Pistol is issued in a limited edition of only 300 Tributes, available exclusively from America Remembers. Reserve yours today to ensure that you are among the collectors who will be able to welcome this handsome limited-edition issue into their collection.
Order now and we will arrange delivery of your working pistol through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. Place your order online below, or to prioritize your order and confirm availability, call us toll-free at 1-800-682-2291. Your Tribute will be individually numbered, and a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity will also accompany your Tribute. As always, you will receive your Proud to Be a Texan Tribute Pistol with our 30-day guarantee of satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return the Tribute to us in original, unfired condition within 30 days for a complete refund.
If you are among those who call Texas home, you know that it is a place of thrilling history, including tales of the Old West, cowboys on the range, and many successful businesses. There is only one Texas, and if you are looking for a spectacular way to show off your personal pride in your home state, there is only one Proud to Be a Texan Tribute Pistol from America Remembers. This Tribute Pistol will certainly be a conversational piece in your collection, and will be a unique way to let others know that you are “Proud to Be a Texan.”
