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Jan 16, 2009 10:08 pm US/Central
Stolen Gun Belonging To Davy Crockett Returned
Reporting
Jack Fink
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
An important piece of Texas history is back safe with its owner.
This week, a thief stole the rare pistol once owned by Davy Crockett.
Mark Disanti collects military memorabilia. "I'm a history buff," he said.
But he said he never expected he'd buy a gun rich in Texas history.
It turns out the Deringer .44 caliber pistol he purchased was owned by American folk hero Davy Crockett, who was killed in the battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution back in 1836.
A Mexican soldier captured at the time claimed to have removed it from Crockett.
"Oh my God, I have Davy Crockett's gun," said Disanit. "You know how many people would want to have this in their hands?"
Disanti said an acquaintance called him this past Wednesday, offering to sell him the gun.
He said the man told him, "You know, look, this gun is rare and would be the best in your collection."
Disanti said he went to see it and noticed a tag claiming the gun belonged to Crockett.
Disanti said he told the man he didn't believe it. But he bought the pistol anyway for $160 after calling a local gun shop to check its value.
Unbeknownst to him, the gun had been stolen earlier this week.
A thief smashed a window at a Frost Bank at Preston Center where it was on display by the Dallas Historical Society.
The gun shop Disanti had contacted in turn contacted Dallas police. A detective called Disanti, who then brought it to the police station.
Alan Olson is curator for the society, and said when police gave him the pistol, he felt "relieved, elated, and excited to see it again… It's a unique and rare item and very important to the people of Texas."
The historical society said it has always taken great care how it displays its collection. But now, because of what happened, it is reevaluating how they display their memorabilia in the future.
Dallas police say they have identified a suspect, but they haven't arrested him yet.
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