Collins’ 200-plus Alamo-related artifacts are believed to be the largest private collection, according to The Associated Press. It includes a receipt for the sale of the saddle of John W. Smith, an Alamo messenger who rode through Mexican lines and pleaded for reinforcements before the battle, and a rifle and other items owned by Davy Crockett.
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"Some people would buy Ferraris, some people would buy houses, I bought old bits of metal and old bits of paper," Collins, 63, said during a public ceremony at the site of the Alamo on Thursday. "It's at my home, in my basement in Switzerland. I look at it every day, but no one else was enjoying it."
Collins said he’s “been in love” with the Alamo since he was just 5 years old, although he is from the U.K. He visited the site in 1973 while touring in the U.S. with other members of the band Genesis.
The Alamo, the site of the 1836 battle between Mexican and Texas soldiers, is considered the Shrine to Texas Liberty.
"I was just spellbound when I first saw it in person," Collins said. "Having lived all my life, to see it in books and movies and the pictures in magazines, it was really quite extraordinary."
A new building will have to be constructed on the grounds of the
Alamo to house Collins’ collection, The Dallas Morning News reported.
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