Texas Ranger Peacemakers Colt Pistols
Artifact IDMO 63.399.1
Object Type
Pistol
Date
1871
Date PresentedJune 5, 1963
Gifter
Honorable Judson F. Williams
Maker
Colt's Manufacturing Company
(United States Firearms Manufacturer)
Place of GiftEl Paso, Texas, United States
Place MadeHartford, Connecticut, United States, North America
Medium
leather; wood; metal
DimensionsOverall H 48 in x W 27 in (121.9 cm x 68.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionPair of .45 caliber Colt pistols in holsters on a belt, hang from a fence peg, attached to a wooden plaque. The inscription on the plaque reads, "This pair of .45 Caliber Colt Single Action Army Model Revolvers, patented in 1871, commonly called 'Peacemakers,' was presented to President John F. Kennedy by Mayor Judson F. Williams on behalf of the citizens of El Paso, Texas in June 1963. The guns, the belt, and the holsters, have actually been worn by Texas Rangers on the frontier.
Historical NoteIn early June of 1963, President John F. Kennedy embarked on a whirlwind tour through several locations in the Southwestern United States. Over the course of five days, from June 5 to June 9, he visited Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, California, and Hawaii.
This pistol and holster were presented to President Kennedy by the Mayor of El Paso, Texas, Judson F. Williams on June 5, 1963. President Kennedy selected the rail fence wall plaque as a mount, and specified that the holsters not hang past the fence. After mounting, the set was hung in the Oval Office of the White House.
Additional DetailsThis pistol and holster were presented to President Kennedy by the Mayor of El Paso, Texas, Judson F. Williams on June 5, 1963. President Kennedy selected the rail fence wall plaque as a mount, and specified that the holsters not hang past the fence. After mounting, the set was hung in the Oval Office of the White House.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from the mayor of El Paso, Texas to President Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President in 1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view