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. Rare signature in pencil, “GERONIMO,” in his distinctive block-printed hand, on the reverse of a 3 x 1.5 calling card of Richmond Pearson Hobson, Naval Constructor, United States Navy. Hobson (1870–1937) won the Medal of Honor for his service in the Spanish-American War and later served as a U.S. Representative from Alabama. As the Navy’s Special Representative to the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, it is likely that Hobson obtained the signature at that event. Accompanied by a 1950 dealer’s note describing this “very rare signature ... palpably written for this American naval hero of the War of 1898.” Light pencil smudging and soiling, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
