Guess the Artifact Answers

Time for the answers to Guess the Artifact!

Artifact #1

A percussion rifle with gold decorations and leaf and flower inlaid decorations along the butt of the firearm.

If you guessed Percussion Target Rifle, you would be correct! Though we will give you credit if you went with a less specific answer like firearm.

This percussion target rifle has a heavy half-stock barrel and was manufactured circa 1870 by a company named "E. R. Hamilton" out of Bloomington, Indiana. We zoomed in on the rifle’s beautiful German silver mounts & inlays. Rifles like this were often found on the frontier, but perhaps not such highly decorated examples.

Firearms engraving like this has been practiced for centuries. The distinct American firearms engraving style began in the 1800s with the implementation of wire inlays on Pennsylvania and Kentucky Long rifles. The museum has many more examples of beautifully engraved firearms like this one—come check them out!

Artifact #2

A State of Texas Texas Ranger certificate with the drawing of an eagle carrying a shield in one corner, a Native American in another, and a robed woman at the bottom.

If you guessed a Ranger Commission, you are right!

The closeup of a figure of a woman holding a scythe comes from this 1876 Ranger commission for Jesse Lee Hall. The rest of the document is decorated as well – with a fancy border, an eagle, and the Texas state seal. These commissions were quite impressive – it actually measures about 14 by 18 inches! The document declares that Jesse Lee Hall is a Second Lieutenant in the Special State Troops of Texas, and was signed by the Governor of Texas, the Adjutant General, and the Secretary of State.

Artifact #3

A highly decorative silver boot spur with a dark brown patterned leather strap.

A highly decorative silver boot spur with a dark brown leather strap.

This fancy looking artifact is actually a spur that belonged to Ranger Captain Tom Hickman. It is a highly decorate Spanish silver spur with a leather strap, and a Greek key pattern on the strap. The wheel, called a “rowel”, is also highly decorated, which is common with rodeo spurs. Besides being a Texas Ranger, Tom Hickman was active in the rodeo and quite the performer!

Many of his personal items are on display in the Hall of Fame.

See if you can count the number of points on the rowel…

Artifact #4

A powder horn with a carving of men standing in a boat.

If you guessed powder horn, you would be correct!

This powder horn is decorated with carved scenes of George Washington’s life. It actually contains two scenes, “Washington descending the Ohio” and “Washington arresting a poacher”. Powder horns were used to carry gunpowder, and were made, as the name suggests, from an animal horn. Horns are hollow and naturally waterproof, which make them an excellent way to store gunpowder. Often decorated like this one, powder horns became obsolete with the invention of cartridges – loose gunpowder was no longer needed!

Artifact #5

A dark brown book with embossing across the cover and a gold center illustration with an angel.

Did you guess Bible? If so, you are correct!

This leather-bound family Bible belonged to the Sutton family, of the famous Sutton-Taylor feud. It has a beautifully decorated cover with gold lettering, and an inscription inside which reads “Presented to Laura E. Sutton by her husband William Sutton, DeWitt Co., Irish Creek November 19th AD 1870”. In the 19th century, it was common for a family to have one large communal Bible – important family events might also be recorded in it, such as births and weddings. The Bible is on display in “The Sutton Collection: Feuds and Family” exhibit, in the Armstrong Research Center at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #6

A dark brown leather horse collar with silver decorations.

If you guessed horse harness or something similar, you would be correct!

This ornate horse collar is made of leather and silver. The intricate design of silver pieces in the collar includes engraved longhorns and stars, hearts, and diamond shapes. Tom Hickman, who was a Texas Ranger in the 1920s and 1930s, and was known to be quite a showman and active in the rodeo. This collar belonged to him and was likely worn by his horse in the arena.

This item is currently on display in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.

Artifact #7

A heavily decorated Colt pistol with a silver metal body and bone grips. There is a carved leave motif on the body of the gun, an eagle carved on to on side of the grip and a longhorn on the other. On the butt of the gun it says "Company B State Ranger Force".

If you guessed firearm or pistol, you would be correct! Keeping with the Tom Hickman theme, this is another of his personal items!

Tom Hickman enlisted in the Texas Rangers in 1919. He rose through the ranks before being appointed as Captain of Company B in late 1920. The men of his company gifted him a pair of engraved revolvers to celebrate his captaincy. Both revolvers feature allover engraving and are inscribed “Captain Tom R. Hickman” and “Company B State Ranger Force”. They show signs of being well used and must certainly have been a favorite firearm of Captain Hickman.

This item is currently on display in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.

Artifact #8

A tan recorder opened so you can see the two circles were the tape records along with instructions taped inside the lid.

A speckled tan video recorder with instructions taped on the lid.

If you guessed a recorder of some kind, you would be correct!

This small plastic wire recording device came with a wired watch with a microphone that could be plugged in for covert recording. Gifted to the museum by Ranger Phil Ryan, it is one of the various examples of equipment used during criminal investigations. The Minifon recorder came with other intriguing attachments, such as phone tapping equipment and a car charger. The circa 1955 device could record up to 2 hours of audio and evokes the era of Cold War espionage.

This item is currently on display in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #9

The back of a uniquely shaped pistol with a mother of pearl round center that reads "The Protector PAT. MCH. 6 83. Aug. 29.93.

If you guessed a pistol of some kind, you are correct! Though you get bonus points if you guessed that it was a palm pistol!

This Chicago Firearms Protector Palm Pistol was made in the 1890s by the Chicago Firearms Company and the Ames Manufacturing Company. It is a .32 caliber pistol with rotary chambers and has nickel plated pearl “grips”. This pocket pistol is also very small! It was designed to be concealed in the palm of your hand so that only the barrel was visible. In self-defense, the user would simply squeeze their hand to fire the gun.

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #10

Various bug samples pinned to a white background in a glass box with a brown wooden frame. Some of the bug samples are in tubes.

If you guessed a forensic insect box, you would be correct!

This collection of insects represents the succession of insects that come to a deceased body. Forensic entomologists use this sequence to learn things about how long the deceased has been where it is found. What do you think? Cool or gross?

This item is loaned to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and museum by the Baylor University Forensic Anthropology department.

Artifact #11

A blue inked white china plate with a cowboy on a horse in the middle, various Texas scenes along the edges, and the six flags of Texas at the top.

If you guessed a plate, you are correct! Bonus points if you guessed a Texas Centennial “Texas Ranger” Souvenir Plate.

This plate was made for the 1936 Texas Centennial. The plate is highly decorated with a rider on horseback in the middle, various scenes around the edge, and the six flags of Texas at the top. The plate is one of a series of six commemorative plates with different historic scenes created for the Texas Centennial. The back of the plate has a caption that reads: “Texas Rangers: Fearless and expert marksmen who patrolled the vast domains of Texas subduing lawlessness and paving the way from civilization.”

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #12

An old tan colored book in tattered condition with a dark blue/black geometric design on it and the word "Ledger"

The back of an old tan tattered book with a dark blue/black geometric design on it.

If you guessed a ledger, you are correct!

This ledger belonged to Texas Ranger Samuel Coleman “Coley” Lockett. It lists bank transactions, various accounts, and even personal stories from his life! He wrote about his school days, when he became a Texas Ranger, and his decision to become a minister! Altogether, this ledger is 272 pages long.

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #13

wood tent shaped pack saddle with leather ropes

If you guessed a packsaddle, you got it right!

This packsaddle was created and used in the early 20th century. It is known as the “Old Monk” saddle because that was the name of the mule that it rode on top of. Rangers would place their bedroll on top of the saddle along with cookware and other gear. They would then securely tie down the gear with soft pack ropes. Would you like to try traveling this way? Or are you going to stick with modern suitcases?

This item is on display in the Morris Gallery of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #14

maroon hat with black tassle and embroidery

If you guessed a Shriner Fez, you would be correct!

This Texas Ranger Shriner Fez was owned by Texas Ranger Bill Gunn. Bill Gunn made Texas Ranger in 1966 after serving in the Texas Department of Public Safety for 14 years. He was a part of Company “F” and was stationed in Waco and Waxahachie. Ranger Gunn retired from the Texas Rangers in 1986, after 35 years of service in the Texas Department of Public Safety.

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #15

soft black vest with 5 buttons and 4 pockets

If you guessed a bullet-proof vest, you got it right!

This stylish Dunrite bullet-proof vest dates to the 1920s and was made to look like a wool dress suit vest. It comes with a groin protector, front and back plates, and vest pockets on the front. Made by the Detective Publishing Co. of Chicago, the vests were relatively lightweight and inconspicuous. Vests like this were known to have been used by gangsters of the period, but may also have been used by law enforcement when trying to blend in.

This item is on display in the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #16

Texas Ranger License Plate from 1969 with red lettering on white metal

If you guessed a personalized license plate, you would be correct!

This personalized Texas Ranger auto license plate was issued to Captain M. T. Gonzaullas in 1969. The item was acquired by another Texas Ranger, Ernest Daniel, who donated it to the museum. Texas Rangers are proud of their work and display it in unique ways like this. Gonzaullas was also known for stamping or marking many of his belongings with his name and Ranger rank. Not surprising, his name can be found on the back of the license plate.

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #17

If you guessed a ranch log book, you are correct!

This leather-bound ranch log book records all the horses and cattle owned or sold by the Long Hollow Ranch in Travis County, Texas. The Ranch was owned operated by John R. Hughes and his brother Emery S. Hughes and was sold after John R. Hughes joined the Rangers. Each entry contains a description of the animal, indicates what brand it has on it, how it was obtained and how it was disposed. The ranch records extend from 1879 to 1921.

This item is on display in the Hall of Fame Rotunda in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #18

silver knife with horn handle topped with silver sculpted horse head

If you guessed a Bowie Knife, you guessed right!

This horse head Bowie Knife was made in Sheffield, England in the 1860s. More than just your average knife, it includes a very detailed horse head pommel, bone handle, and inscriptions in the blade on both sides. The inscription on the left reads "United States, the land of the free and the home of the brave, protected by their noble and brave volunteers". The inscription on the right side reads, "Americans ask for nothing but what is right and subject to nothing that is wrong".

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Artifact #19

silver star in horseshoe connected to chains and locking mechanism

If you guessed a tie clip, good job!

This tie clip was a popular style worn by Texas Rangers in the 1950s and 1960s. This one depicts a silver spur with a star. Photos of Ranger companies from this time show them wearing short, wide ties with tie clips like this one. Today, Rangers may wear a tie with a Texas Ranger badge-shaped tie pin, or any other tie clip or pin that shows they are a Ranger.

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #20

If you guessed a yellow raincoat, you got it right!

This stylish yellow raincoat was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety in the 1980s. There is a special place for a badge on the front—that was our close up shot! This raincoat was owned by retired Ranger Joey Gordon before he generously donated it to the museum.

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #21

If you guessed Mexican Currency, you would be correct! Though we will give you credit if you guessed currency.

This particular piece of currency is a Republica Mexicana Monterrey 2 pesos note. It is dated January 8, 1914.

This item is part of the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Artifact #22

If you guessed a flight helmet, you are correct!

This customized flight helmet was gifted to Texas Ranger Chief Hank Whitman, Jr. by Texas DPS Aircraft pilots for his efforts in the Texas Ranger Reconnaissance Program. In order to better serve and protect Texas and U.S. citizens along the Mexico-Texas border, State and Federal Agencies such as the Texas Rangers, Texas DPS Aircraft Section and the U.S. Border Patrol collaborate constantly on joint initiatives. Texas Ranger Chief Hank Whitman, Jr. was crucial to these endeavors.

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #23

If you guessed Texas Ranger comic book, you got it!

This comic book “Jace Pearson of the Texas Rangers” was printed in 1953 and was distributed internationally. Inspired by the radio program “Tales of the Texas Rangers”, it followed fictitious Texas Ranger Jace Pearson, who uses modern methods to catch criminals. The pop culture craze over Texas Rangers and all things Western hit its peak in the 1950s. The program would be adapted for American television in 1955 and last until 1958.

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #24

Did you guess “The Battle of Plum Creek” painting by Lee Herring? If so, you are correct! Though we will give you some credit if you guessed a battle in general.

This closeup came from this painting titled “The Battle of Plum Creek” by artist Lee Herring. It depicts the events of August 12th, 1840, when the Battle of Plum Creek began near the present-day town of Lockhart. It was the culmination of conflicts between Comanche under Chief Buffalo Hump, and Texan volunteers and allied Tonkawa Native Americans. The painting includes lots of amazing detail that the artist says were inspired by written accounts of the actual battle, from the war paint on the horses to the Texans all standing in the background.

This item is part of the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Artifact #25

If you guessed surveying transit, you are correct! Though we’ll give you credit for any combination of compass or surveying equipment that you came up with.

This type of 1855 Keuffel and Esser Model 12 open burner transit would have been used by Texas Rangers who also worked as surveyors. Made of sturdy brass, this tool was used to measure the land and determine the relative position of lines and objects. The transit has a compass and a level and would have been mounted on a tripod for use in the field. Similar technology is still used by surveyors today.

This item is part of the Collections of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #26

If you guessed a Texas Driving Handbook, you are correct!

This Texas Driving Handbook was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1956 to help people learn the rules of the road. Do you think driving rules have changed a lot since the 1950s?

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #27

If you guessed a Lone Ranger doll, you are correct!

This Lone Ranger Bobbing Head Doll is a limited edition that was made by Palladium Limited Partnership and carries a certificate of authenticity. Do you have any bobbing or bobble head dolls?

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #28

If you guessed a Harris County Sheriff’s Department patch, you got it right! Though we will give you partial credit if you guessed some sort of law enforcement patch.

This Harris County Sheriff’s Department Patch was gifted to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum by Ms. Reinhert’s 1989-1990 7th grade classes at Mauriceville Middle School. Did you know that Harris County is the largest county in Texas by population with 3.8 million residents? The largest county in Texas by land mass is Brewster County, covering 6,193 square miles.

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #29

If you guessed a Ranger Joe Mug, you are correct! Though we’ll give you credit if you just guessed mug.

This blue and white milk glass was a premium for the Radio Show Ranger Joe in the 1950s. Ranger Joe was played by Jesse Rogers. There was also a popular pre-sweetened cereal called “Ranger Joe Wheat Honnies” that was sold during the mid-1900s.

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #30

quilt of various colorful hexagonal circles

If you guessed a Quilt, you would be correct!

This quilt-top was made by Laura Sutton and finished by her granddaughter. Laura Sutton’s husband, William Sutton, was killed during the famous Sutton-Taylor feud. The quilt top was made by hand and has a white background with a colorful hexagon pattern. The top and bottom edges are finished straight, while the side edges are zigzag.

Artifact #31

Bronze and ivory pistol with heavy embellishments

If you guessed a highly decorated Colt revolver, you got it right!

This is a Colt Model 1871-1872 Open Top .44 cal. revolver, manufactured 1873. It is nickel-plated with special engraving and relief cast metal grips, also known as “Tiffany grips". The grips have a war scene on each side and there is an eagle perched in a lightning bolt on the butt. Would you want a revolver this ornate?

This artifact is currently on display in the Hall of Fame.

Artifact #32

gray gas mask with straps and clear eye holes

If you guessed a Gas Mask, you would be correct!

This is a WWII Civilian, Civil Defense gas mask with adjustable elastic straps attach to the flexible molded mask. It has a canister and filter attached. Even 80 years later, the design for the gas mask hasn’t changed that much!

This item is in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum collection.

Artifact #33

Round canteen with stained brown canvas wrapping and gray U.S. lettering on front

If you guessed a canteen, you are correct!

This is a U.S. Cavalry canteen from the late 19th century. It is a canvas covered metal canteen with a cork attached on a chain and a lanyard ring on each side. This canteen has certainly seen some use—look at all those stains!

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #34

Vintage Shirley Temple doll with curly yellow hair and cowboy outfit

If you guessed a cowgirl doll, you are correct!

This Shirley Temple Cowgirl Doll dates to the Texas Centennial in 1936. She is dressed in an original cowgirl outfit with hat, holster, vest, chaps, and additional accessories. The hat has a button with a picture of Shirley Temple and reads "An Original Shirley Temple Doll". Did any of you play with a Shirley Temple doll when you were growing up?

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #35

brass, oval belt buckle with badge in the center, a frontier Ranger on the left, and modern Ranger on the right

If you guessed a decorative belt Texas Ranger belt buckle, you got it right!

This belt buckle belonged to Ranger Bill Gunn. The front reads "Texas Rangers Org. 1823 / Bill Gunn". There is a Ranger badge in the center, a frontier Ranger on the left, and modern Ranger on the right. Ranger Gunn joined the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1951. He served as a Texas Ranger, with Company F, from 1966-1986 and was stationed in Waco and Waxahachie.

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #36

Lone Ranger lunchbox with red television screen, dials and antennae as handle

If you guessed a Lone Ranger TV Tin Metal Tote Box, you got it right!

Isn’t this Lone Ranger Tin Tote fun? We love that it’s shaped like a TV—complete with an antenna! Did anyone else have a tin tote box similar to this one?

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #37

If you guessed a Colt revolver, you would be correct!

This decorated Colt Single Action Army Prewar revolver was owned by Manuel “Lone Wolf” Gonzaullas, a Texas Ranger Hall of Fame inductee. It would have been manufactured in the early 1900s. The revolver is nickel-plated with silver and turquoise inlayed grips. What do you think of these decorations?

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #38

If you guessed a Bowie knife, congrats! You got it right!

This commemorative Bowie knife was produced by the Texas Ranger Commemorative Commission in honor of the 1973 150th anniversary of the Texas Rangers. It has a wooden handle with a Ranger badge inset and a silver pommel. The blade is engraved with a banner reading “Texas Ranger 1823 – 1973”.

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #39

sculptural cup with handle and feet. white flowers between beaded strands on green top and yellow bottom

If you guessed a shaving mug, you are correct!

This porcelain shaving mug was used by Ranger Simpson Crawford. The mug is round and short, with four feet and a handle, and painted detail with mint green, purple, and yellow colors, and some gilding. It has been broken in multiple pieces and glued back together before it came to TRHFM.

This item is in the collection of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #40

If you guessed a relief map of Texas, you are correct!

This relief map of Texas was sculpted by Gerald Sanders and painted by John T. French and included 41 points of interest throughout the state. The map is the only one of its kind and was envisioned, produced, and gifted to the museum by former Waco mayor Billy Davis. Do you have a favorite Texas point of interest?

This piece of artwork is hanging in the front lobby of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. You can’t miss it!

Artifact #41

tan leather saddle in Mexican Charro Style

If you guessed a saddle, you are correct!

This Mexican Charro Style saddle belonged to Ranger John Dudley White Jr. The saddle was made in Mexico in the 1940s. Charro is a term used to describe Mexican horsemen whose traditions developed from the centuries-old Spanish and Mexican vaqueros. Vaqueros, sometimes called “Mexican cowboys”, were known for their exceptional skills in riding and roping. They invented saddles, clothing, and techniques for working cattle on the frontier. These were later adopted by Texas Rangers and American cowboys.

There are a lot of different saddle styles. Do you have a favorite?

This saddle is on display in the Garrison Gallery of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Artifact #42

If you guessed a Battle Dress Uniform, you are correct!

This style of Texas Ranger Battle Dress Uniform was used circa 1997 and made by Propper International. Both shoulders have Department of Public Safety Texas Ranger patches. This uniform was the second Battle Dress Uniform issued to the Texas Rangers. This style was used during the Republic of Texas militia group standoff.

Artifact #43

If you guessed a Railroad Pass, you are correct!

This railroad pass belonged to Texas Ranger Harrison Hamer, brother of famous Ranger Frank Hamer. He used it during 1932 and it was issued by the Wichita Falls and Southern Railroad Company. It was good for transportation between all stations and was printed on greenish cardstock.

Artifact #44

If you guessed an embroidery sampler, you are correct!

This embroidery piece was created by Laura Sutton’s mother. A simple embroidery on brown-colored fabric, showing two houses, a lake, flowers and clouds. The sampler is in a gold decorated frame and framed by a blue cardboard border. Laura Sutton was married to William Sutton, who died during the Sutton-Taylor Feud, the longest and bloodiest in Texas.

Artifact #45

rows of rectangular push buttons on a black bearcat branded machine

If you guessed a radio scanner, you are correct!

The Bearcat 300 radio scanner was made of black plastic with numerous buttons and dials. It has radio frequency channels for Police, Fire, Marine, Ham, Emergency, Mobile Telephone, Government, Forestry, Industrial, Transportation and Aircraft. This radio was used by Texas Rangers Company C, circa 1980s.