Texas Gun Collectors Association
Downing the Nigh Leader – by S.P. Stevens, 1958
Downing the Nigh Leader – by S.P. Stevens, 1958
Colt 1860 Army revolvers, serial numbers 123437/P and 123438/P. Engraved by L.D. Nimschke with a total of eight panel scenes on the two revolvers. Gold and silver finish with solid silver “Tiffany” grips. Presented by Jose Balta (President of Peru) to Mariano Melgarejo (President of Bolivia) in 1870.
From the Bill Berg Collections | Photograph by Rock Island Auction Company
Welcome to the Texas Gun
Collectors Association (TGCA)!
As one of the nation’s oldest gun collecting clubs, our members share a passion for antique and historic firearms from past eras, as well as collectible classic firearms from more recent times.
Founded in 1950, the Texas Gun Collectors Association (TGCA) is one of the oldest and most respected firearms collecting organizations in the country. Our members share a passion for antique, historic, and collectible firearms—from the weapons of the Old West to classic arms of the 20th century.
With members across 46 U.S. states and countries including Australia, Canada, England, Japan, and Switzerland, TGCA is a vibrant and diverse community of collectors, historians, and enthusiasts.
What We Offer
Biannual Shows
Held each Spring and Fall, our three-day shows are the highlight of the TGCA calendar. These events feature:
- Antique and collectible firearms
- Civil War, WWI, WWII, and Western memorabilia
- Curio & Relic firearms, including early Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers and semi-autos
- Accessories, accoutrements, saloon and gambling paraphernalia, and related ephemera
Note: Modern guns and ammunition are not allowed, except those classified as Curio & Relic.
Exciting Events
Each show includes our highly anticipated Saturday auction, a special ladies’ program, and outstanding non-competitive exhibits during the Spring Show with first-class competitive displays at our Fall Show.
Both our Spring and Fall events are now held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Denton, Texas—a state-of-the-art venue that provides an exceptional experience for members and guests alike.
Member Benefits
The Texas Gun Collector Magazine
Published twice a year, this high-quality magazine keeps members informed about TGCA activities, features collector-submitted articles, and offers advertising opportunities.
The Fine & Historic Arms Annual
Published in October of 2024, this new, world-class collector book includes 360 pages of the finest collectible weapons on the planet. All members of the TGCA receive a complimentary, soft cover copy of the new Annual.
Exclusive Access
Members enjoy entry to our biannual shows and auctions, the chance to display and exhibit, and participation in seminars and social events.
Global Network
Connect with collectors from around the world who share your passion for historic arms and related history.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, TGCA offers an unmatched opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of antique and collectible firearms. Explore our site to learn more about upcoming shows, membership, and how you can get involved.
Experience history, preserve tradition—join the Texas Gun Collectors Association.
First Meeting, Texas Gun Collectors Association, Waco, Texas
February 27, 1950 saw the culmination of much planning and dreaming in the meeting of this small group at the Roosevelt Hotel in Waco, Texas to form the Texas Gun Collector’s Association. Largely sparked by J. W. Bates, Dr. Brian Aynesworth, Gaines deGraffenreid, Clyde O’Neal and Reagan Barr, the response of collectors was enthusiastic.
Quite different from the usual nucleus, this outfit knew they had something good and had the vision to foresee the organization of today. They have fought for that progress and recognition as a team; what has been accomplished is the handiwork of many who held the ideals and value of the Association as a whole above personal gain.
It is thus fitting that the meeting just concluded at Waco should be the anniversary meeting with the original membership multiplied 25 times and the voice of TGCA heard throughout the gun collecting world.
PICTURED; Seated I. to r.: J. W. Bates, Wortham, Texas, First President; Jack A. Dutton, San Antonio, Texas; Weldon Bomar, Dallas, Texas; Vic. Freidrichs, Austin, Texas; Bill Watson, Kilgore, Texas; Jas. R. Somers, Dallas, Texas, First Vice President. STANDING I. to r.: T. H. Littlepage, Dallas, Texas; John A. Norris, Austin, Texas; Arthur J. Raul, Houston, Texas; Rogers Cooke, La Marque, Texas; Frank Caldwell, Austin, Texas; Harry C. Knode, Dallas, Texas; Dr. M. Brian Aynesworth, Waco, Texas; James S. Wise, Okmulgee, Okla; Gaines deGreffenreid, Waco, Texas; Clyde O’Neal, Waco, Texas; Dr. Neil Simpson, Waco, Texas; M. E. Sims, Houston, Texas; Herbert San Antonio, Texas, Reagan Barr, Waco, Texas; Herbert Mills, Jr. San Antonio, Texas (Visitor)
Charter members not pictured were: J.O. Bates, Fort Worth, Texas; H. J. Garman, Arlington, Texas; Elton M. Hyder, Fort Worth, Texas; Leon C. Jackson, Dallas, Texas; Paul C. Janke, Houston, Texas; J. B. Stiff Fort Worth, Texas; Dr. E. P. Stuart, Winnsboro, Texas; Melvin R.Trana, Houston, Texas; Hugh A. Shelton, Dallas, Texas.
In 1971, The Texas Gun Collectors Association published the first edition of the Antique Arms Annual, showcasing some of the finest firearms in the world. It quickly became an indispensable reference book in the libraries of arms collectors everywhere, with beautiful color photographs and informative technical information. Known as “The Annual” to TGCA members and other collectors, the Antique Arms Annual made our association known throughout firearms collector’s circles all across the country and in many foreign countries.
In 2021, 50 years after the original publication, members of the TGCA and the Rock Island Auction Company began the task of creating a second edition. We knew there were many high quality, collectible firearms that were not antique but should be include in the new book. We acknowledged the original book really wasn’t an annual volume but the name “Annual” had an established value that made it worth repeating. We quickly agreed the new book title should be The Fine & Historic Arms Annual, (A Second Edition to the Antique Arms Annual of 1971).
In October of 2024, the Fine & Historic Arms Annual was born.
It includes 360 pages of the finest collectible weapons on the planet. It is now available in a soft cover version and a hard bound, deluxe version. All members of the TGCA receive a complimentary, soft cover copy of the new Annual. Join the Texas Gun Collectors Association today and get your complimentary copy.