Horrible photo of Alamo miquelet pistol

[BillinOregon]

I finally made it to the Alamo earlier this month and quite thoroughly enjoyed the new Collections Center to the rear of the church that just opened March 3. The majority of the artifacts in the collection were donated to the people of Texas by Phil Collins, the musician, who became fascinated by the battle for independence while a child in England, and collected for years.
The photo, unfortunately obscured by window reflections that I did not notice until later, is a single-shot pistol with miquelet lock fashioned from the branch of a mesquite for the stock.
For a much better view, I suggest "y'all come visit the Alamo" in person.

 

[Rancocas]

Definitely a close range weapon.
I visited the Alamo several years ago. This display was not there at that time.
Although I was surprised and somewhat disgusted that the city has built up so close around the Alamo, when I walked within the old walls I felt like I was on hallowed ground.

 

[Brazos John]

when I walked within the old walls I felt like I was on hallowed ground.

That's because you were...

I was at the Goliad Massacre last weekend, and camped inside the Presidio walls.
At about 2am, fog made the courtyard look magical, with the lights for the Chapel giving a glow that is unforgettable.
Again, on hallowed ground...

 

[rickystl]

I have visited the Alamo twice in past years while in San Antonio on business. It is an amazing site. On my first visit they had to kick me out at closing till the next day. LOL I wanted to stay one night at the nearby Davy Crockett Hotel. But that Hotel seems pretty much pre-booked most of the year. While entering my name and state location in the guest registration book (and making a donation) I couldn't help notice the amount of visitors from all over the U.S. Coast to Coast. I've heard that the Alamo has been self-funded by donations for many years.

Rick

 

[BillinOregon]

If you haven't been there since March 3, you would not have seen the two-story Collections Center, which had a grand pre-opening for Friend of the Alamo members the evening before. It is a lovely space, and they had the sense to build it at the back of the property, well screened by mature trees, so as to try not to disturb that "hallowed ground" ambience. We reserved entrance tickets a head of time and just strolled right in.

 

[Sam squanch]

Looks like old Phil Collins was the “ genesis “ of that collection…….

 

[Uncle Miltie]

An awesome gift Phil Collins gave to us, and proof that Americanism spans the globe.

 

[cyten]

Went to visit a few years ago but it was closed when I arrived. A real shame I didn’t get to go in but very cool to see it at all. Have to wait for the next USA trip

 

[cyten]

Did my best to try and lighten the image to see more detail, couldn’t do much about the glare

 

[BillinOregon]

Cyten, thanks for your effort. Next time I am there, I'll pay more attention!

 

[rickystl]

Bill: I think I have the pistol's cousin ? LOL

Rick

 

[XVIIc Wheelock]

I know this is an old thread...however I just ran across it. Get to the Alamo shortly. I grew up in South Texas...still live in central Texas. Father born here in 1915, grandfather in 1890 and great grandfather came over from Austria just before the civil war.

Now back to the Alamo...been there so many times I can't count. We used to stay at the old hotel (think it was called The Menger) where Teddy R. recruited volunteers for the debacle in Cuba. Back to the hotel...this is what I wanted to say to begin with. Before midnight, you will hear a loud reverberating BOOM.......BOOM....BOOM beginning every hour. As a kiddo, it kept me up all night reliving the Battle...a deep Boom just a rock throw from the Alamo. Turns out it was speakers on the roofs of buildings around there, used to keep those rascal pigeons off due to the accumulation of their poop. But the BOOM sound sent a shiver down my back...really crazy huh? Here is a copy of the actual letter from W.B. Travis to Sam Houston: "Give me liberty or give me Death"

 

[XVIIc Wheelock]

Ah...I found a late typewritten summary of the above Travis to Houston letter that is less difficult to read...although difficulty is a matter of meaning:

 

[BillinOregon]

Bless all the souls of those brave defenders.