NMSU Pistol Pete Collectible Set – Limited-Edition Ceramic Figure by Ruth Walker

This rare and highly collectible New Mexico State University (NMSU) set celebrates the school's beloved mascot, Pistol Pete, through two distinctive display pieces. It includes a shadow box–framed embossed paper artwork and a signed, limited-edition ceramic figure designed by Las Cruces artist Ruth Walker.

The artwork features a deep-relief image of Pistol Pete impressed on deckled-edge paper, matted in maroon and black behind glass, and mounted in a handsome wood shadow box frame with brass nameplate. The companion figure is a robust ceramic sculpture hand-painted in Aggie colors, featuring Pete in classic cowboy attire with “NMSU” lettering on his chaps. This figure is signed “RWA” on the verso of the right leg and marked #0054.

This Pistol Pete statue is part of a numbered series of 350 limited editions, created between 1989 and 2012. According to NMSU Panorama Magazine (Spring 2023), artist Ruth Walker sculpted and fired each piece herself, while painter Anna Wagley hand-decorated the figures. Full background and artist information available at: panorama.nmsu.edu – Collectible Cowboy

Condition
Excellent to good overall. The framed artwork is clean and professionally mounted with no damage to the paper or glass. The ceramic figure is intact with only light wear consistent with age; no chips or cracks. Dust jacket is included.

Dimensions
Framed artwork: 17.25" x 13.75" (overall); 11.5" x 8.5" (visible)
Ceramic figure: 13.25" H x 9 1/8" W x 5 3/4" D