Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One
Sunday, March 15, 2015 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One
Sunday, March 15, 2015 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
An Event for the Ages, this highly anticipated fresh to the market offering will be the focus of those passionate about firearms history.12 prestigious collections will be featured.
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REMINGTON ARMY REVOLVER, HOLSTER AND HIS FARRIER'S KNIFE, USED BY LT. WILLIAM W. COOKE AT THE BATTLE
Lot # 1429 (Sale Order: 426 of 563)
Low Estimate: 50,000High Estimate: 100,000
SN 47684. This is the only identified handgun in private hands identified to officer from the Custer Massacre. Cooke's body was found along side Custer's and was a member of his inner circle of most trusted officers. This gun and farrier's knife were taken from an Indian by the Canadian Mounted Police and returned to the Cooke Family not long after the battle. This gun, holster and knife had been in the Cooke Family until sold in auction on April 5, 1999. The new model Remington army was made during the Civil War and was possibly Cooke's side arm when he was an officer in the 24th New York Cavalry. It is most interesting that Cooke was known to be left handed and his regulation military holster is a left handed holster which this cataloger has never seen before in a regulation government purchased item. There are a series of three pasted labels on reverse of holster, the earliest in old brown ink which is partially discernible and reads, "This revolver...Col. Wm. Cooke who was killed June 25th 1876 at the Little Big Horn River, Montana in the Custer Massacre by Sitting Bull". The well made farrier's knife which measures about 6" closed had two large blades, smaller one since broken, saw blade, hoof tool, cork screw and two other tools and still retains a pair of removable tweezers. Agents mark on each blade is "BOUDET PALIES ROYAL". The 1-1/4" German silver escutcheon plate is engraved in block letters "W.W.COOKE. U.S.ARMY". Accompanying this grouping is an affidavit signed by William Cooke's descendent Blake Cooke that the Remington revolver, holster and farrier's knife have been in the family's continuous possession since they were returned after having been recovered from the Indian who had captured them at the Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876, "W.W. Cooke was my Great-Uncle". There is included a large file of research and newspaper articles concerning this grouping. For those not familiar with Cooke's career, here is a short biography from Glen Swanson's 2004 G. A. Custer His Life and Times, "1st Lt. William Winer Cooke was born in Mount Pleasant, Brant County, Ontario Canada on May 9, 1846. He was born to wealthy parents who were British loyalists and moved to Canada after the American Revolution. He left home at the age of fourteen to live with relatives in Buffalo, New York. Lying about his age, he joined the 24th New York Cavalry in 1863 as a recruiter. Due to his success he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in January of 1864. Cooke was wounded in the Battle of Petersburg and returned to duty after recuperation becoming Unit Quartermaster. He was promoted to First Lieutenant and commanded Company A, taking part in the battles of Five Forks, Dinwiddle Court House and Sayler's Creek. Through brevets, Cooke attained the rank of Lt. Colonel by the end of the war and then returned to Canada. His father wanted him to stay and form a new Regiment of Cavalry in Canada but he decided instead to join the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in the newly formed 7th Cavalry in 1866. He was made Regimental Adjutant in 1866 through 1867. During that year he and George Custer were charged with murder when they pursued a group of deserters. Several were wounded and one shot to death. After an inquiry into the incident the charges were dropped. In 1868 Cooke took part in the Battle of the Washita, commanding forty sharpshooters who were assigned to fire on the Cheyenne village dismounted. In pursuit of renegades the following year, he and George Custer arrived unannounced in a hostile Cheyenne village at Sweetwater Creek, Texas, for a parlay. Finding his small party in some difficulty, Custer sent Cooke for reinforcement. Benteen and two companies came to his relief. In 1870 Cooke was transferred into Company I and in 1871 again became the Regimental Adjunct, a position he would hold until his death in 1876. After serving occupation duty in the South he returned to Dakota with the regiment in 1873 and was on leave at the time of the Yellowstone Expedition but took park in the Black Hills Expedition of 1874. After the attack on the village at the Little Bighorn was beginning, he would author the most famous battle message known. This message was given to John Martin to be delivered to Captain Frederick Benteen shortly before Lt. Cooke followed Custer to their death. Benteen, Come on. Big Village Be Quick, Bring Pack. p.s. Bring pacs W.W. Cooke." Accompanying this lot are 2 rare images, one a signed Civil War CDV of Cooke, signed on verso "W.W. Cooke Lt. 24 NY Cav". PROVENANCE: W. W. Cooke and descendants. CONDITION: Gun is gray overall with small traces of finish in protected areas. Rammer latch has a small soldered repair. Front sight is missing. There is about a 2" crack in bbl on right side at muzzle. Markings are discernible including complete 3-line bbl address. Most parts have inspectors initials. Inspector's cartouche is discernible on right stock. There is a large chip on left rear toe of stock that appear
FABULOUS RARE AND HISTORIC UNIQUE EARLY 1877 HAND DRAWN MAP OF THE CUSTER BATTLEFIELD BY WILLIAM PHI
Lot # 1430 (Sale Order: 427 of 563)
Low Estimate: 30,000High Estimate: 40,000
This map on silked paper made specially for map making in the 19th century measures 14" x 10" and is mostly identical to an apparent paper example drawn in black, blue and red ink in the National Archive Collection. William Philo Clark was appointed to the US Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1868. He was assigned as a Second Lieutenant with the U.S. 2d Cavalry Regiment, to which he belonged for the remainder of his short career. He joined the staff of General George Crook at the end of August, 1876, when Crook rejoined the columns of General Alfred Terry and Colonel John Gibbon after the Battles of the Rosebud and the Little Bighorn during the Great Sioux War of 1876. Clark was thus present for Crook's pursuit of the Lakota during the late summer and fall of 1876, including the so-called "Starvation March" and the Battle of Slim Buttes. He served in a number of staff assignments for General Philip Sheridan and died suddenly at the age of 39, in Washington, DC in 1884 while on special duty with Sheridan. He was the author of the 1885 book The Indian Sign Language (published posthumously), to this day the definitive and comprehensive primary source on the rich sign language of The Great Plains tribes. He died young, not fulfilling what was generally agreed to be his extraordinary potential as an enlightened army officer, as conceived at the time. Clark had interviewed Indians who had actually fought Custer after the battle and his early definitive map and accompanying report provide the earliest significant factual insights into the battle. Lt. W Philo Clark was the Army's acknowledged expert in sign language and Crazy Horse spoke no English, Clark was assigned the task of interviewing and debriefing Crazy Horse after his surrender, during Crazy Horse's captivity at Fort Robinson. Clark's report on the battle and this map which accompanied the report, was derived from the information obtained by Clark during his sign language interview/debriefing of Crazy Horse and represents the most accurate map from a commanding chief who was there. This map accompanied his original report and is docketed on verso and dated 1877. Clark in his report states that Indian village consisted of 1,200 lodges, 400 wickiups and 3,500 fighting men. This map is referenced and pictured in A.C. Unger's The ABCs of Custer's Last Stand and more recently Drawing the Battle Lines The Map Testimony of Custer's Last Fight by Michael Donahue. This map is among the finest and most unique maps of the Custer Battlefield. CONDITION: Very good as can be seen in photos, several pinholes, soiling and slight separation at folds. There is an additional pencil inscription in upper right quadrant. There are remnants of adhesive in each corner and pinholes in same corners. 4-54964 JS114
RARE ARCHIVE OF LT. BENJAMIN HODGSON INCLUDING TWO GEORGE CUSTER LETTERS WRITTEN TO HIM ALONG WITH O
Lot # 1431 (Sale Order: 428 of 563)
Low Estimate: 20,000High Estimate: 30,000
2nd Lt. Benjamin Hubert Hodgson was a West Point graduate in 1870 and was a personal favorite of George Custer as noted in these letters. The first letter, 3-pages long is marked "personal" dated Ft. Lincoln December 7 1874. Hodgson was facing court-martial for threatening a local with a pistol and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. Hodgson had sought Custers aid as a character witness and Custer's letter is of a personal nature telling Hodgson of the environs of Ft. Lincoln and that "Mrs. Custer joins me in high regards". The second letter with the same date is quite official and was obviously to be used as evidence and read at the trial of Hodgson's character. Custer writes "...as the officer under whom most of your service has been rendered, you have served upon my staff as well as having commanded a company under me for a considerable period. I desire to testify to you and for you if possible my high appreciation of your character, both as an officiant and meritorious officer, and a thorough and courteous gentleman. I have ever found you ready and prompt to undertake any duty assigned you and once assigned you have always, without fail, rendered complete satisfaction in its thorough discharge... I feel confident from my long and intimate acquaintance with your character that if you have done or have failed to do (anything) inconsistent with your duty or opposed to the service it has been the result of neither desire or intention on your part but likely a simple error of judgment...I should deeply regret to learn that the result of your trial was unfavorable to you or your interests and I am sure that in all that I have written herein every officer of your regiment who has served with you would add their unqualified concurrence..." Custer took care of "his own". Hodgson was acquitted and returned to Custers command at Ft. Lincoln and on June 25 1876 became one of the first officers to fall. Capt. Thomas MacDougal along with two of his enlisted men recovered Lt. Hodgson's body and carried it to the breastworks on Reno Hill. They sewed him up in a blanket and poncho and buried him. Hodgson may have been the only officer to have been buried during the battle. There is a Bismark Dakota Territory clerk sealed paper which states "I do hereby certify that Lt. Ben. Hodgson 7th Cavalry US Army was killed June 25 1876 at the battle of The Little Bighorn River Montana and here are his remains. Signed by the post surgeon at Ft. Lincoln July 11 1877. This document is certified and signed by the mayor of Bismark. Also included in this lot are three envelopes, one being the wrapper for the Hodgson letter received by Custer and a rail pass for Hodgson on the Northern Pacific Railroad 1874. PROVENANCE: Bonham's 2004 Lots 76, 77 & 78. CONDITION: The 3 noted letters are very good with light soiling, more on the Surgeons Certification. Envelopes and return letter receipt are discernible with tears; missing portions as can be seen in photographs. Railroad pass is very good. 4-54965 JS133
REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY REVOLVER WITH 4 CHAMBERS LOADED FROM ROSEBUD CREEK.
Lot # 1432 (Sale Order: 429 of 563)
Low Estimate: 20,000High Estimate: 30,000
NSN. Cal 44. This is a wonderful relic revolver in inoperable condition, still loaded with 4 rounds and 4 percussion caps. This exact gun is one of only two relic battlefield recovered pistols shown in John Parson's and John du Mont's 1953 book Firearms in the Custer Battlefield. Remington Army revolvers were known carried by Indians at the Custer Massacre based on US Ordnance reports after the battle. PROVENANCE: William O. Sweet Collection, Atteboro, MA, John S. du Mont Collection, William Bond Collection, Alexander Acevado Collection, Butterfield & Butterfield Lot 79 April 4, 1995, James D. Julia Auctions Lot 568DE October 9, 2000, Pictured on pg. 25 Firearms in the Custer Battlefield, 1953, Pictured in Custer Battle Guns pg. 91, 1974. CONDITION: This relic with 6-11/16" bbl has an "as found" iron patina with trigger guard dark brown/green patina. Grips are still present though highly weathered and only about 50% or so intact. There is evidence of a row of tacks on each grip near butt, only small holes remain now as can be seen in photos. There are two rows of small holes (probably from Indian tacks, now long gone) one either side of each grip. There are no markings visible other than small inspectors mark on trigger guard. In a custom contemporary case with brass plaque. 4-55016 JS46
RELIC COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER RECOVERED FROM THE "TIMBER FIGHT LINE, RENO BATTLEFIELD".
Lot # 1433 (Sale Order: 430 of 563)
Low Estimate: 20,000High Estimate: 30,000
SN 5100. This relic consists of a bbl, frame, cyl and backstrap excavated in 1991 in two pieces and a trigger guard and hammer excavated in 1997. Cyl is still loaded with two complete rounds and three other cyls still have the orig casings. There are partial serial numbers seen on frame though not fully discernible. Backstrap has partially discerned number which is xx53 (second number in SN appears to be a 3 or 5). Trigger guard has a full SN 5100. All pieces have been cleaned with electrolysis and exhibit similar patina. Accompanying are four certificates signed by Jason Pitsch that read "1873 Colt Single Action SN 5100 (G.P.I) Load Cylinder, Barrel, Frame and Cylinder". Reverse of certificates are printed maps of the Reno battlefield showing spot where revolver was excavated. Also included is document from United States Department of Interior stating that artifacts sold by Jason Pitsch are indeed legal and found on Pitsch's private land. PROVENANCE: 4 Certificates of Authenticity from Jason Pitsch, bbl and cyl Lot 568DC, James D. Julia Auctions, Oct 10, 2000 pictured on pg. 280 of Glen Swanson's G.A. Custer His Life and Times. CONDITION: Deeply pitted where excavated relic cleaned via electrolysis with exception of hammer which is not cleaned and "as found" with rust and pitting. Markings are partially discernible as can be seen in photographs, a few letters from 1-line bbl address are discernible and portion of SNs can be seen as described and seen in photos. Frame does appear to have xx00 somewhat matching trigger guard. All four parts were found quite close to each other and it is quite possible and even likely that this gun was taken apart to utilize parts for other SAA for continued use in battle line. Cartridge casings are clearly visible including hammer marks where spent cartridges were fired. Relic is housed in a custom case partitioned for each piece. 4-55015 JS47
HISTORIC CUSTER BATTLEFIELD 1873 TRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELD CARBINE.
Lot # 1434 (Sale Order: 431 of 563)
Low Estimate: 8,000High Estimate: 12,000
NSN. This historic relic carbine was found in the Little Bighorn River approximately 10 miles north of the Custer Battlefield in August 1954. The area where the carbine was found is along the retreat trail used by the Sioux traveling north, eventually going to Canada. It can be speculated that the Indians laden with all their worldly possessions, in hasty retreat in having all the firearms they picked up on the battlefield had probably insufficiently secured it to a pack animal when crossing the river and it simply fell unnoticed into the river where it lay for over 75 years until found by Mr. Fred Kilfoy. There is a signed affidavit from Mr. Kilfoy telling of the circumstances of how he found it. If this gun could just talk and tell us its story; we know of no other Custer trapdoor carbines excavated from the battlefield. PROVENANCE: Fred F. Kilfoy 1954, Kilfoy Auction, Riverton, WY October 7, 1990, James D. Julia Auction October 2000 Lot 568DD. CONDITION: Carbine is relatively intact though missing rear sight and bottom buttplate screw. Gun has the appearance of other water excavated artifacts found elsewhere with heavily shrunken stock and iron is highly oxidized obliterating all markings such as SNs. Overall this relic is sound, though still fragile. 4-55017 JS48
TWO EXTREMELY RARE INDIAN ARROWS FROM THE CUSTER BATTLEFIELD WITH GOOD PROVENANCE.
Lot # 1435 (Sale Order: 432 of 563)
Low Estimate: 20,000High Estimate: 30,000
These 2 arrows are illustrated in Fred Dustin's book written in 1939 A Custer Tragedy on p. 194, fig. 4. Dustin corresponded with and interviewed a number of surviving Indians, civilian interpreters, and soldiers starting in the early 1900s for compilation of their personal narratives of the 1876 fight at Little Bighorn. He spent over 30 years researching the battle and its participants. Dustin was known for his disdain for Custer and criticism of his actions, and his support for the controversial Major Marcus Reno. Ironically, he made his only visit to the Custer Battlefield in 1938. The following year, he published his life's research in a work entitled The Custer Tragedy: Events Leading Up to and Following the Little Big Horn Campaign in 1876, a work considered a classic in Custeriana. There is a series of correspondence between Fred Dustin and a collector in the 1950s elaborating the history dating back to John Gibbons who was the first to bury the dead on the battlefield. "...I have two steel-pointed arrows picked up on the field by a soldier who was there (whether of the 7th Cavalry or of Gibbon's command, I do not know of have forgotten). One was sticking in the body of a dead soldier, the other lying on the ground. I offered them (Maj. Luce, Custer Battlefield collection) but never got a reply, so I think they will go to the Yale College collection". This quote was from an April 20, 1954 letter from Dustin to Hugh Shick. This letter as they say, "got the ball rolling". Several other letters pertain to these gifts finally given from Schick to Dustin. In a February 5, 1955 letter from Dustin to Schick "You ask-"How long can I keep it?" (the arrow). As long as you wish, but I hope you will pass it on to some worthy permanent institution, but NOT to Maj. Luce or his successor. The "Custer Battlefield Museum" is simply a George A. Custer collection-NOT a Custer Battlefield Museum at all...I am under the impression that the soldier who found the arrows was a member of Gibbon's infantry..."Dustin was almost 90 years old when he wrote this letter and finally forwarded the arrows with a note dated September 3, 1956 just months before he died (the original candlebox used for shipping Schick had is also here. Interested parties should read the letters and correspondence from Dustin on website catalog. Fred Dustin's papers are at the University of Michigan." PROVENANCE: Fred Dustin, Hugh Shick 1956, Glen Swanson Collection, Don Nidiffer, Signature House Auction June 27, 2000, Lot 131. CONDITION: Arrows are as found and as described in letters. One missing an ear of its notch and only the base of the feathers still retaining sinew attaching them and sinew attaching tips. There are several twists of a more recent red thread holding sinew tight. These few wraps of red thread could be easily removed and were probably only added when framed. Shafts have great hand worn patina and small metal heads with iron patina with rust. The smaller of the 2 arrows measures 23-3/4", the larger 24-1/4". The arrows are framed between 2 pieces of plexiglass with the original tags from Dustin framed with them along with note from Hugh Shick written on back of photograph showing 1 arrow. 4-55013 JS105
VERY RARE GROUPING OF SIX AUTOGRAPHS OF 7TH CAVALRY OFFICERS KILLED AT THE LITTLE BIG HORN.
Lot # 1436 (Sale Order: 433 of 563)
Low Estimate: 8,000High Estimate: 12,000
This grouping contains signatures rarely seen, much less with rank, taken from cavalry documents not long before each died. Signatures include, along with Custer, Capt. Miles Keogh signed as "Capt. Commanding Co." Keogh, who was born in Ireland, was awarded 2 awards for valor when fighting for the "The Papal Army" in the Battalion of St. Patrick in the 1860 Battles of Ancona and Castelfidardo in Italy. These 2 awards, which he always wore, were found on his body unmolested as the indians recognized the Christian Cross of St. Gregory and thought it a bad omen to mutilate him or take his medals. These medals were returned to his family after the massacre. Donald McIntosh is signed as "1st Lieut. 7th Cavalry". McIntosh, who was born in Canada, had been in the Army since 1856 was killed in Reno's fight at the Little Big Horn. This autograph is used in Glen Swanson's G.A. Custer His Life and Times on p. 100. Lt. Henry Harrington, originally from New York, graduated from West Point in 1872. Harrington and his entire command in Company C were killed in the massacre though Harrington's body was never found. His signature is signed "Lieut. 7th Cavalry Commanding the Company". Lt. Benjamin H. Hodgson graduated from West Point in 1870 and was killed in the retreat from the timber fight trying to cross the Little Big Horn. His signature reads "Your obedient servant B.H. Hodgson, 2nd Lt. 7th U.S. Cavalry". This signature is reproduced on p. 123 of Swanson's book. Lt. James E. Porter graduated from West Point in 1869. Porter was killed beside his commander, Capt. Miles Keogh, along with the rest of his Company "I". This is a rare group of autographs of officers killed at the Little Big Horn that may never be duplicated. CONDITION: Very good overall though several tightly clipped. 4-54839, 4-54872, 4-54873, 4-54874, 4-54881, 4-54883 JS97
VERY RARE LETTER OF CONDOLENCE FROM GEN. PHIL SHERIDAN, MRS. GEORGE YATES OFFICIAL COPY.
Lot # 1437 (Sale Order: 434 of 563)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
This copy telegram originally sent to Libbie Custer had an official copy go to each of the wives of the officers killed and this letter is so docketed on reverse. This poignant and very rare letter is most likely the only copy extant in private hands. PROVENANCE: Estate of George & Annie Yates. CONDITION: Very good to fine, yellowing at folds. 4-54923 JS108
GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED.
Lot # 1438 (Sale Order: 435 of 563)
Low Estimate: 5,000High Estimate: 7,000
This wonderful endorsement written in August 1864 just before the Shenandoah Valley Campaign when Custer was getting down to business with how he really feels "...recommend that this officer be permitted to resign. He is incompetent and the service would be benefited by his withdrawal G.A. Custer, Brig. Gen. Comd. Brigade". With a little research, no doubt, we could find who this incompetent officer was. This unique autographed note is in beautiful condition. CONDITION: Very good overall. 6-1/4"3-1/4", remnants of 4 adhesive hinges on verso. 4-54920 JS111
VERY RARE AND UNIQUE G.A. CUSTER SIGNED CDV AS "LT. COL." 7TH CAVALRY.
Lot # 1439 (Sale Order: 436 of 563)
Low Estimate: 8,000High Estimate: 12,000
We can find no other images signed by Custer as Lt. Col. in the 7th U.S. Cavalry. This rare CDV listed by Katz as photographed March 1876 as K-149V has the interesting imprint "General Custer" however, Custer signs with his correct rank of Lt. Col. which is unknown on any other photograph, as far as we know, other than this single card. This is the only known time Custer signed CDV's as Lt. Col. Custer held the rank of Lt. Col. in the US 7th Cavalry at time of his death, his highest rank in the regular Army though a Major General in the Volunteer Army during the Civil War. If you want the rarest and only CDV signed by Custer with his rank in the 7th Cavalry when killed at the Little Big Horn, this will probably be your only opportunity. CONDITION: Card is good to very good overall, scuffing and soiling. Contrast is good and inscription dark and easily discerned as seen in photographs. 4-54833 JS96
FABULOUS LARGE ALBUMEN PHOTOGRAPH OF CUSTER & OFFICERS WITH WIVES ON AN OUTING IN 1875.
Lot # 1440 (Sale Order: 437 of 563)
Low Estimate: 6,000High Estimate: 8,000
Katz lists this as K-140 July 1875 by Orlando Goff. This image is also shown in Frost on p. 145. This is a truly fine personal view of Custer and his inner circle less than a year when most would be dead. Image shows George & Libby Custer, brothers Tom & Boston Custer, Custer's brother-in-law Captain James Calhoun & his wife Margaret, Lt. Edgerly, Captain Algernon Smith, Lt. W.W. Cooke, Captain Myles Keogh, Captain Thomas Weir, Dr. G.E. Lord, Emma & Nellie Wadsworth of Monroe, MI and others. PROVENANCE: Estate of George W. Yates. Butterfield's March 27, 2002. CONDITION: Image subject is very good to fine with good detail & contrast. Image is about 8-1/2" x 5-3/4" mounted on about an 8" x 10" board. There is glue residue at the bottom 2 corners where a mat was most likely originally attached; a crack in upper left corner which does not affect individuals in image; and a 1-1/2" tear on left side & smaller tear at bottom, again not affecting subjects of image. 4-54914 JS65
FINE RARE & DESIRABLE CIVIL WAR AUTOGRAPHED CDV OF BRIG. GEN. GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER.
Lot # 1441 (Sale Order: 438 of 563)
Low Estimate: 5,000High Estimate: 7,000
This fine early photograph by Matthew Brady of Custer is among the first showing him as Brig. Gen. and this rare card id boldly signed "G.A. Custer, Brig. Genl." CONDITION: Card is very good with soiling. Small fold in upper right corner. Most of the verso card is covered with pasted paper as this card most likely removed from album. 4-54804 JS87
RARE BRIG. GEN. GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER AUTOGRAPHED CDV FROM CAMP IN VA. OCTOBER 7,1863.
Lot # 1442 (Sale Order: 439 of 563)
Low Estimate: 5,000High Estimate: 7,000
By the time Custer signed this card he was a well known figure after the decisive victory at Gettysburg and just 2 weeks prior to signing this card he had had 2 horses shot out from under him near Culpepper. PROVENANCE: Early American Historical Auctions, October 2002. CONDITION: Image is well defined and signature is dark, card overall soiled and light stained but overall good to very good. A piece of adhesive removed from reverse removed a portion of Brady's Gallery mark. This particular image is listed by Katz as K-20 taken October 8, 1863. 4-54805 JS88
RARE & UNIQUE IMPERIAL-SIZED GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER PHOTOGRAPH.
Lot # 1443 (Sale Order: 440 of 563)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
Imperial views from the Civil War era are quite rare and expensive in their day. This approx 9" x 12" may be the largest contemporary Custer image known and only known example. Mark Katz in his exemplary text on Custer photography Custer in Photographs 1985 lists this image as K-62 "Major General George Armstrong Custer, January 4, 1865, by Matthew Brady & Co. From an original contact print, from the unique, original, unpublished, imperial collodian negative in the National Archives. PROVENANCE: D.J. Byrnes. CONDITION: Image measures 9" x 11-3/4" mounted on 11-5/8" x 14" board. Very good overall with minor scratching & about a 1" x 1/2" area on left sleeve where emulsion is chipped. 4-54996 JS50
PAIR OF RARE LARGE ALBUMEN PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN IN THE WINTER OF 1875 AT FORT ABRAHAM LINCOLN OF GEORGE
Lot # 1444 (Sale Order: 441 of 563)
Low Estimate: 5,000High Estimate: 7,000
A similar view of the 1st image with oval mat shows Tom Custer with Miss Nellie Wadsworth in the front and Lt. William W. Cooke in the back is pictured on pg. 147 of Frost The Custer Album. 2nd image shows George Armstrong Custer seated in the front holding reigns with brother Boston & his wife Libbie, and Tom Custer with a very cold female companion. This image is unique and no other examples have surfaced. Neither image is pictured in Katz and both photographs originated in the Estate of Captain George W. Yates who died not far from his friend Custer. Photographs are thought to have been taken Orlando S. Goff. PROVENANCE: George W. Yates Estate. Butterfield's March 27, 2002, lots 7087 & 7088. CONDITION: Images about 8" x 6" on 9-1/2" x 8" boards. Images are good to very good; one retaining a pasted oval mat with gold edges; the other one had one as can be seen from glued corners at bottom edges of image. Scattered staining, soiling & fading on both. Foxing on image with Tom Custer & W.W. Cooke. 4-54917, 4-54918 JS64
RARE LARGE ALBUMEN PHOTOGRAPH OF CUSTER & HIS STAFF AT FORT ABRAHAM LINCOLN NOVEMBER 1873 WITH INK I
Lot # 1445 (Sale Order: 442 of 563)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
This image taken at Custer's quarters Fort Abraham Lincoln, November 1873 by Orlando S. Goff, is listed by Katz Custer in Photographs 1985 as K-121. Katz describes the image as "unique, original, direct contact albumen print (courtesy of Custer Battlefield National Monument)". Katz lists the same 22 participants of image that are listed on verso. The Custer Battlefield image illustrated is a cropped version of our view as this view shows a pile of refuse and fresh horse droppings in foreground. This is a rare image with few other examples known. CONDITION: 7-1/2" x 5-1/8" image mounted on an 8" x 10" board. Image is very good overall with many small chips and albumen mostly on left side & top left quadrants, barely affecting participants. Remnants of a pasted label below image have removed some of the board's surface and most of the numbers that relate to legend on reverse of the 22 participants who are all labeled as to units, including their wives. 4-54907 JS59
CIVIL WAR FROCK COAT OF GENERAL GEORGE CUSTER'S AIDE-DE-CAMP LT. FREDERICK A. NIMS 5TH MICHIGAN CAVA
Lot # 1446 (Sale Order: 443 of 563)
Low Estimate: 20,000High Estimate: 30,000
Frederick Nims was a childhood friend of George Custer being born in May 16, 1841 near Monroe, Michigan Custer's home town. Nims entered service August of 1862 as a private in Company C, 5th Michigan Cavalry, he was 21 years old. Custer often promoted his friends to important positions in his inner circle that appears the case hereto. He was commissioned 2nd Lt. of Company F on January 12, 1864 and served as aide-de-camp on Custer's staff from July to September 30, 1864. Nims is shown wearing this exact coat in only wartime CDV photos known. Nims is also shown sitting at Custer's feet in famous group photo of his staff, Christmas Day, 1864, also in this same coat. David Ingall wrote a short biography on Nims for the newsletter of the Monore County Historical Museum, Volume 3, Issue 3, Page 3, 2008. "Lieutenant Nims fought alongside General Custer through most of the Civil War, from the Gettysburg Campaign to the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. The Nims sword that is in the Custer display at the Monroe County Historical Museum was taken by Frederick from a Confederate foe during the third days fight at the East Cavalry Battlefield of Gettysburg where the Fifth Michigan, as part of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, defeated General Jeb Stuart's Confederate Cavalry. He also participated in the Grand Review in Washington, DC and remained on General Custer's staff after the war in Louisiana, Texas and Kansas." Nims, along with another of Custer's staff, James Kidd, served as the monument committee for the Equestrian Custer Monument unveiled in 1910. Coat is well made with polished green cotton lining, polished brown cotton pockets and sleeve linings, collar velvet lined. Cuffs measure about 5" and elbows billow at 9". This is a classic mid-war style coat with great aesthetics and color, with great provenance and direct family descent associated with one of America's most iconic generals. PROVENANCE: Frederick Nims, Mrs. George V. Rhines (nee Annie F. Nims) 1921, donated to City of Toledo, November 5, 1938, de-accessed by Toledo Zoological Society, September 16, 1979. CONDITION: Fine overall. Coat has good color with hints of blue lining intact. Some stitching loose internally, cuffs and seams. Coat is missing tail buttons, though others intact. Cuff buttons are a mix of five staff and one enlisted with variety of back marks. Nine coat buttons are "EXTRA QUALITY". Buttons and straps are re-sewn. 4-54475
FINE GROUP OF 19TH CENTURY INDIAN PHOTOGRAPHY.
Lot # 1447 (Sale Order: 444 of 563)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
There are seven cabinet cards of Indians, including photographers from Idaho, Nebraska and Colorado. There are two cabinet cards sized color lithos of Eastern Indians on silk. There are two other photographs which are two large groups of black and white children posed against a building circa 1890 of unknown origin. Subject matter is varied CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Indian cabinet cards show trimming, several chipped and scratched but images have overall good contrast and detail. Lithographed silks are very good with good colors, minor fraying at ends unaffecting images. Fessenden gelatin image is very good, mounted on larger board which is chipped and cracked at edges (could easily be trimmed to a very fine 4" x 5" card). 8-86981, 86982, 86995, 87009, 87026, 87028, 87029, 87043, 87782
FINE GROUP OF BUFFALO BILL WILD WEST PHOTOGRAPHY.
Lot # 1448 (Sale Order: 445 of 563)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
This group has three fine albumen prints of Buffalo Bill leading a parade of Indians through town. These images measure 6-1/2" X 4-1/2" mounted on larger boards. One photo clearly shows Buffalo Bill Cody in a two-horse carriage leading the parade; the second image shows about a dozen Indians on horseback in full regalia with feathered headdresses, and the next group shows cowboys in a cowboy band. There is an image of Art Bowden, a cowboy, who appeared with Buffalo Bill famous for skill with lasso, shown here in this image twirling his lasso on his horse, reared almost perpendicular on it's hind feet. There are two photographs of E. H. Phillips posed in interesting views. Back of these cards notes that Mr. Phillips was a famous rodeo rider from Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. These six images are excellent and we cannot find published examples. CONDITION: Wild West and cowboy images are very good to fine overall. Images all fine, card mounts show light to moderate edge wear. 8-87032, 87035, 87036, 87037, 87038, 87783.
FRAMED PAIR OF FINE EARLY CABINET CARDS OF BUCK TAYLOR & BUFFALO BILL.
Lot # 1449 (Sale Order: 446 of 563)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
Fine framed pair of cabinet cards from Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. 1) Buck Taylor "King of the Cowboys". 2) Col. W.F. Cody "Buffalo Bill". Both cards are copyrighted "Woodburytype". Walter Bentley Woodbury patented this process in 1864 and died in 1885. Photographic prints made on his patented paper produced some of the finest images of the late 19th century. Woodburytypes were expensive in their day and these are the first we have cataloged in this format. Woodburytypes were quite popular about 1885 when first introduced after Woodbury's death. Cabinet cards of Queen Victoria, circa 1885, often surface and no doubt, these cards date from Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in England 1886-1887. CONDITION: Cards are both matching overall as mounted in shadowbox frame. Images are sharp for detail & contrast. Mounting boards have some foxed spotting that are overall fine. 4-48063
FINE GROUP OF RARE WESTERN PHOTOGRAPHY.
Lot # 1450 (Sale Order: 447 of 563)
Low Estimate: 6,000High Estimate: 8,000
This grouping all framed has six cabinet cards of Wild West performers including two views of Buffalo Bill and one of Annie Oakley and other trick-shot artists, all showing off their rifles. There is a fine D.F. Barry photograph of Sitting Bull which measures about 6" x 8". Barry's blind stamp is found on image & mat and other descriptive information on reverse. There is a 5" x 14" image of Kaloma, one of the great classics of Western American images, Kaloma has traditionally been said to be Josephine Earp, wife of Wyatt Earp. Early auctions usually marketed this exotic image as Mrs. Earp. There is a large 12-1/2" x 9-1/2" albumen by Grabill, Deadwood, SD of about 20 cowboys brandishing a variety of Winchesters and Single Actions with William Cody sitting on horse in background. This image clearly shows varying types of pistol rigs & prairie belts, different styles of holsters and variations in Colt grips of wood, rubber & what appears to be carved ivory or mother of pearl. CONDITION: Cabinet cards appear very good to fine overall, though not inspected out of frames. Barry photograph of Sitting Bull also appears fine. Image of Kaloma appears very good to fine with light soiling & foxing at edges. Large mounted albumen is good to very good, there are 2 tack holes in upper right corners, the original mounting board trimmed on top, bottom right corner is bent, other areas of border soiled & stained, image has a 3/4" circular "halo'd" light area through face of one cowboy in center of photograph as can be seen in photos. 4-48092
PAIR OF ADVERTISING BROADSIDES, CIRCA 1900.
Lot # 1451 (Sale Order: 448 of 563)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
This group consists of two framed color lithographs reproducing art by noted Western artists Frederick Remington & Philip R. Goodwin. 1) Winchester advertising utilizes image by Philip R. Goodwin with a family of deer in a mountainous winter scene. American Lithograph Co., Copyright 1912 by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. 2) Zane Grey is advertising one of his most popular books Riders of the Purple Sage with image of mounted cowboy from orig painting by Frederick Remington. Copyright 1901. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Winchester poster (measures 16" x 29" exposed in frame & frame measures 23-1/2" x 37") has vertical 1" stain in upper right corner, about 3" long, a few small folds are noted, colors overall are vivid. Zane Grey advertisement (measures 14-1/2" x 19-1/2" exposed in frame & frame measures 21" x 26") appears very good, as framed in contemporary painted gesso frame. Frame exhibits several chips as can be seen in photos. Image is very good overall with minor scratches & bends, not affecting image. 4-48074, 4-48075
FINE FRAMED 1893 LEE BROTHERS MEMPHIS CALENDAR & TWO PHILIP R. GOODWIN PRINTS.
Lot # 1452 (Sale Order: 449 of 563)
Low Estimate: 800High Estimate: 1,200
1893 calendar shows a lithographed beauty selling railway & mill supplies in Memphis, TN. Calendar measures about 20" x 10" and retains its full complement of calendar pages. The two Goodwin prints of hunting and camping scenes measure about 9-1/2" x 14". CONDITION: Calendar has very good to fine color, appears complete as framed. There is about a 2" tear in bottom left quadrant & two 1" cracks in upper right quadrant, which don't effect text or image. Goodwin prints appear very good overall with light chipping in small folds & corners. 4-48072, 4-48073
FINE AND RARE 19TH CENTURY WELLS FARGO EXPRESS PAINTED SIGN.
Lot # 1453 (Sale Order: 450 of 563)
Low Estimate: 3,500High Estimate: 4,500
Classic "WELLS FARGO & CO EXPRESS" sign measuring 10-7/8" high x 72" long utilizes classic late 19th century application of gold paint and black sanded paint background. This sign is in marvelous condition, showing honest use and good storage. There is a pasted Wells Fargo Label on verso. This same style of sign is often seen in late 19th century photography on Western buildings. This is a very fine example with all orig paint and surface. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall with orig paint, chipping and wear to edges. Paper label darkened and soiled. 4-48067
