FORT WORTH, TX.- A unique pay order signed by Alamo defender Jim Bowie and an 1839 copy of Guide to the Republic of Texas, used by settlers in the early Texas wilderness, highlights more than 200 lots of memorabilia in Heritage Auctions' March 1-2 Texana Signature® Auction to benefit the Texas State Historical Association. The auction is an important component of the group's fundraising activities and will be held during its 117th annual meeting, Feb. 28-March 1 in Fort Worth.

"The once-a-year auction is an excellent opportunity to own historical Texas maps, signed documents, books and manuscripts as well as meet and learn from important collectors with a passion for Texas history," said Sandra Palomino, Director of Historical Manuscripts at Heritage. On items donated by TSHA members, Heritage Auctions is again donating its 19.5 percent buyer's premium to support the TSHA.

"Because this auction's audience goes beyond traditional collectors, we expand our focus to include all objects related to Texas," said Sandra Palomino, Director of Historical Manuscripts at Heritage. "Each auction is special in its own way and includes many one of a kind rarities."

Leading off the selection is a March 10, 1829 pay request James "Jim" Bowie issued to his longtime friend and business partner Angus McNeill in the amount of $134. Bowie's business deals made him famous, or infamous depending on the circumstances, across the Texas frontier. He died on March 6, 1835 defending the Alamo, assuring his place in the pantheon of Texas heroes. His signed pay order is expected to bring $70,000.

The establishment of the Republic Texas brought an influx of traders, settlers and new businesses. One book helped promote emigration to Texas: Richard S. Hunt's and Jesse F. Randel's Guide to the Republic of Texas. The tome shows for the first time the newly laid out town of Austin and include a history of the region, its climate and soils and major industries.

"Unlike most copies, this one still has the original full, hand-colored map on onion skin paper with an inset map of the Rio Grande and the country west to the Pacific Ocean," Palomino said. The 1839 volume is expected to bring $30,000+.Additional highlights include but are not limited to:

A broadside condemning General Vicente Filisola for the retreat of the Mexican army is expected to bring $20,000.

An 1857 version of De Cordova's Map of Texas, a large hand-colored version of one of the most correct and authentic original maps of Texas ever compiled, is expected to bring $30,000.

A partial document signed by David "Davy" Crockett in 1834 as a U.S. Representative, two years before his death at the Alamo, is expected to bring $15,000.

A rare, elephant folio edition of War Between the United States and Mexico by George Wilkins Kendall, in two volumes with 12 illustrated plates, is expected to bring $25,000.