To most people, the word “stagecoach” conjures romantic images of a six-up team thundering across the prairie, kicking dust in its wake. To J.W. Brown, the word connotes metal and wood—the myriad pieces it takes to actually build a stagecoach, each fitting perfectly according to the blueprint in his mind.

Anthony “Tony” Wallace was working as a welder in the Texas oil fields when a fire nearly took his life.

During his recuperation, he made spurs to occupy his time. Before long, people took notice of his exceptional craftsmanship, and collectors began calling. Wallace never returned to the oil fields.