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Post by sloanrodgers on Oct 1, 2009 22:59:37 GMT -5
I attended the 9th Annual Silver Stars and Six Guns Gala last Saturday evening. This event was put on
by the Former Texas Rangers Association and Foundation at the Inn of the Hills in Kerrville, TX and was
very well organized. While the steak was delicious and I met a few more old rangers the highlight for me
was the silent auction. By some stroke of monetary luck I was able to out bid everyone for famed Texas
ranger Joaquin Jackson's 18 in. high, signed boots and a signed poster from his book. A few rangers told
me that I bought a piece of history, but authors Mike Cox and James Haley seem a mite perplexed about
why someone would bid on a couple of smelly old ranger boots. What do you guys think?
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Post by TRK on Oct 2, 2009 6:48:44 GMT -5
If the boots fit, wear 'em. |
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Post by cantador4u on Oct 2, 2009 14:56:22 GMT -5
It's hard to say.
What sort of leather are they made of?
Who made them?
Any design on them?
Any color or just natural leather color.
What are the soles made of, leather or synthetic?
What size are they? Who made them?
Are there any defects like maybe bullet holes, cougar, grizzly, or rattlesnake teeth marks?
How much where is there on the heels?
Based on the wear pattern of the sole and heel did Joaquin need additional arch support or prosthetic inserts?
What size are they?
How well have they been cared for?
Were they used as outside working boots or looking pretty boots?
Were they worn during some particular noteworthy event?
Is there a photo of Joaquin wearing them?
When were they signed?
Where on the boots are they signed?
What were they signed with?
Are they BOTH signed?
If you donated them to a museum could you get some sort or fantastic tax write-off? i.e. What are they appraised at?
What does a person need to do to insure the longest life of such historical artifacts?
What is the proper way to store and/or display them?
Are there any preservatives or conditioners for the leather that don't change or degrade their appearance?
When and under what circumstances were they first made available?
Is there any additional documentation regarding them? (provenance??)
But the most important question is "Do YOU like them?" If so then just ignore all those other questions along with anyone else who may question your sanity, at least in so far as the boots are concerned. In fact I would go so far as to commend you for your efforts at preserving a part of the historical record of Texas and the US.
That said, what do you plan to do with them?
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Post by TRK on Oct 2, 2009 15:08:12 GMT -5
Are there any preservatives or conditioners for the leather that don't change or degrade their appearance? Excellent point. There's a lot of talk in the miltaria collecting world these days about the pros and (mostly) cons of using leather preservatives and conditioners. They're finding that a lot of those preparations actually are detrimental in the long run. So, RR, you want to get some expert advice on this point before you go slopping neatsfoot oil, silicone, or other preservatives on those boots. |
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Post by Jim Boylston on Oct 2, 2009 17:19:02 GMT -5
Someone gave me some good advice years ago about buying art: "Buy what you like."
Good for you, RR!
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Post by Kevin Young on Oct 2, 2009 19:09:16 GMT -5
Having met the gentleman (he worked security on Rough Riders)
I think it is kind of cool.
The important thing is that you liked them, you wanted them, and you got them.
Enjoy!
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Post by sloanrodgers on Oct 4, 2009 1:10:59 GMT -5
Thanks fellas. The boots don't really fit, so I can't wear em. Joaquin's footwear are actually in pretty good condition
and not smelly considering their age and previous owner. The leather is stressed with no designs and marked as size
12', but a little small on me for some reason. I don't know the complete history of the boots, but the bid sheet does
reveal some information which I trust based on the source of the document. I don't intend to sell or donate them to
anyone. They'll remain in my museum for a good while. ;D
Bid Information Sheet Below
Former Texas Rangers Foundation
524
Ranger Joaquin Jackson
Donated by Joaquin Jackson, Texas Ranger, Retired
These black boots were well worn by Ranger H. Joaquin Jackson during his
Texas Ranger career. If only they could talk. Ranger Jackson has put his
signature inside of both the boots. These boots were custom made by
Remington Boot Company in El Paso. They have 18" tops! The poster is
from the cover of his first book One Ranger, A Memoir signed by H.
Joaquin Jackson, Co. "D" - "E" 1966-1993, FTRA Member
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