Chiricahua Apache (1829–1909) who attained the status of legend for his steadfast defense of Native American lands against the United States government. Pristine pencil signature, “Geronimo,” on the reverse of an off-white 3 x 1.5 calling card imprinted with the name of Mr. Clifford Melville Swan (now obscured by framing). Beautifully double-suede-matted and framed with a portrait of Geronimo to an overall size of 13 x 19. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance stating that the autograph was sold through Christie’s in 1994 and originated from a turn-of-the-century collection of a Massachusetts resident. After being moved for the last time to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1894, Geronimo settled into old age as a celebrity—appearing at fairs (including the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis), riding in President Roosevelt’s 1905 inaugural parade, and releasing his popular autobiography the same year. Geronimo’s signature is among the most elusive and desirable of Old West autographs, and hardly ever found in such immaculate condition.
