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 4,280 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. Original 4.25 x 6.5 chest-length cabinet photo of Buffalo Bill in buckskins and a hat, the mount bearing the printed caption, “Col. W. F. Cody, ‘Buffalo Bill,’ Wild West,” signed in ink on the image, “W. F. Cody, ‘Buffalo Bill.’” In very good condition, with image somewhat faded though fully visible, and light allover soiling and scuffing to surface. The signature itself is outstandingly dark and clear. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
