Blackfoot chief (1872–1934) best known for the durable though still-controversial claim that he served as one of models for sculptor James Earle Fraser in creating the composite Native American portrait on the “Buffalo” nickel. Scarce and arresting 3.5 x 5.5 matte-finish postcard photo, signed in ink with the chief’s three-character pictogram of two rifles and a horned calf. The reverse bears a handwritten account of the original owner’s meeting with the chief: “This is the Indian whose profile is used on the Buffalo nickle [sic]. He danced in the powwow on the porch of the glacier Park Hotel on Sat. night. I shook hands with him & talked to him. He has put his signature on the face of this card. His face is very red brown & deep furrowed.” Light silvering to dark portions, otherwise fine, clean, attractively preserved condition. A desirable Old West photo enhanced by its unique firsthand provenance. RRAuction COA.
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