Chiricahua Apache (1829–1909) who attained the status of legend for his steadfast defense of Native American lands against the United States government. After decades of aggressive resistance, Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, on September 4, 1886. After years of imprisonment, followed by “military confinement,” Geronimo became a celebrity, appearing at such venues as the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis (where he sold autographs to curiosity seekers) and in Theodore Roosevelt’s 1905 inaugural parade, and dictating his autobiography. He died of pneumonia at Fort Sill, Oklahoma at the age of 79. Scarce, bold pencil signature, “GERONIMO,” on a cream-colored 3.25 x 2.5 card. The reverse bears several other notations, including “9/1904, St. Louis World’s Fair,” indicating the item’s likely origin. In very good condition, with scattered soiling, faint erasure trace below signature (the notation, still visible, is “June 16”), and faint crease to upper right corner, well away from signature. Among the most elusive and desirable of Old West signatures! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
