American frontiersman and entertainer (1846–1917). By the age of 15 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 1867–68. Dubbed “Buffalo Bill” by writer Ned Buntline, Cody organized his famous Wild West Show in 1883 and met with great success during national and worldwide tours in the following decades. Signed book: Last of the Great Scouts: Life Story of Col. W. F. Cody by Helen Cody Wetmore. First edition. Chicago: Duluth Press Publishing Company, 1899. Hardcover, 6 x 8.5, 296 pages. 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 spine ends and a hint of subtle soiling to interior, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
