Phil Collins returning, donating Alamo relics

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, right, addresses the media as Phil Collins waits to make comments about the historic items he donated to the Alamo. Tuesday Oct. 28, 2014. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, right, addresses the media as Phil Collins waits to make comments about the historic items he donated to the Alamo. Tuesday Oct. 28, 2014. Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 68 Caption Close Phil Collins returning, donating Alamo relics 1 / 68 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Former chart topper Phil Collins is at the Alamo Tuesday morning to turn over his private collection of artifacts from the historic shrine.

A fringed leather pouch and a gun used by Davy Crockett are just a few of the artifacts that will be returned in downtown San Antonio by Collins. The collection also includes Jim Bowie's legendary knife, and one of only four remaining rifles owned by Crockett.

Also in the crates are letters from William B. Travis and other historical documents.

Crates of the collectibles were delivered by truck on Tuesday at 10 a.m. to the Gallagher House at 723 E. Houston St.

See the gallery above for photos of Collins at the Alamo, as well as some of the artifacts.

Collins and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, the state steward of the Alamo, will oversee the transfer of the artifacts at Gallagher House.

“Texans are deeply indebted to Phil Collins,” Patterson said in a statement earlier this week. “He is giving us back our heritage.

“Now these Texas treasures need a home where all can see them and study from them and learn about how Texans won our liberty,” Patterson said.

Patterson, as chairman of the Alamo Endowment, is leading an effort to build a home for the Collins Collection.

shuddleston@express-news.net