Frontiersman and entertainer. By the age of fifteen Cody had already been a horse wrangler, pony express rider, and unsuccessful prospector. He became a scout for the Union army and after the war took a job for a company that supplied meat for railroad construction crews, killing 4280 buffalo during 1867–1868. Dubbed “Buffalo Bill” by writer Ned Buntline, Cody organized his famous Wild West Show in 1883 and toured with it with great success for many years. Signed book: Last of the Great Scouts by Helen Cody Wetmore. First edition. Chicago: Duluth Press Publishing Company, 1899. Hardcover, 6 x 8.5. Signed and inscribed in ink on the front free end page, “With the compliments of the subject, W. F. Cody, ‘Buffalo Bill,’ to Mrs. F. B. Hutchison.” Light wear to extremities and a hint of subtle soiling to interior, otherwise fine condition. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
