Tomball shop carries war memorabilia

There is no one word that can be used to categorize all the things on display at Bob's Wild West on Main Street in Tomball. However, one thing is certain about the store's wares—these are things that you are not likely to find anywhere else.

The shop is owned by Robert Platz and deals in authentic historical memorabilia from a variety of points in time dating back to the 17th century. Bob's stock includes first-generation Colt and Winchester rifles, guns used in the Civil War, Spanish-American War and both World Wars, Native American weapons and spirit staffs, and a wide assortment of handmade knives.

The store also features old western gear, such as saddles, ropes and chaps, as well as historical books. Everything Platz sells is kept in good condition, and many of the weapons are still functional, he said.

"It's hard to say what this store is about," he said. "You really have to look in every nook and cranny to see all we have here."

Platz said he obtains his stock from around the world, but most of it comes from the U.S. His store is a venue for him to sell his collectables, but it is also a venue to buy and trade with individuals.

Not only does Platz collect memorabilia, he is also an artist. Several of his paintings are on display in his shop and he also sells them at auctions in Santa Fe. A book featuring several of his paintings of wildlife and western themes is in the works, he said.

"I've been painting pretty much my whole life," he said. "A lot of it has been inspired by my travels. It's something I've always liked to do."

Platz has been on Main Street in Tomball for about eight years. Over time he said he has built up a reliable group of regular customers with whom he buys, sells and trades.

"I've got people who just come in off the street a lot of the time, but I've always got the same old cronies coming in to talk and to see what's new," he said.

Notable wares

• A 17th century Native American ivory crossbow
• An original cavalry hat worn by mounted soldiers in WWI
• A 50-caliber rifle crafted from ivory and silver by Bedouin tribes in 1812
• Guns and hats worn by former Texas Rangers
• Remington pistols used in the Civil War
• Authentic WWII knives from various armies in England, Germany and the U.S.

Bob's travels

Platz obtained many interesting collectables while traveling all over the world with his wife. Among the places he has been are parts of Africa, British Columbia, South America and New Zealand. He has also traveled extensively throughout the U.S. Two of the most dominant objects in his shop are the massive elk head, which he killed himself during his travels to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, and a mounted baboon. Most of the mounts are for sale, but some of them are just for display, Platz said.

Texas Rangers

Platz, a former sergeant with the Texas Rangers, also maintains a display of Texas Ranger guns and memorabilia. The memorabilia is sold in sets, which can include boots, hats, pictures, guns and badges.

Some of the most valuable items in his store include two guns that belonged to Joe Coleman, as well as a pistol that was used by Frank Hamer, both legendary former Texas Rangers.

Bob's Wild West, 400 W. Main St. Tomball, 281-255-0105

Hours: Thu.–Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.