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Lot #298
Sitting Bull

Rare signature from the esteemed Lakota leader

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Estimate: $6000+
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Description

Rare signature from the esteemed Lakota leader

Vintage ink signature, "Sitting Bull,” on an off-white 5 x 1 lightly-lined slip affixed to a slightly larger sheet bearing collector's ink notations: "Obtained by me on Ration Day June 22nd 1888 in the Indian Traders Store, for 25¢ and three cigarettes, while with the U. S. Surveying Corps at Ft. Yates or Standing Rock Agency." In very good condition. Accompanied by a pair of vintage cabinet portraits, 4.25 x 6.5 and 6.5 x 4.25, one which depicts Sitting Bull wearing a traditional headdress in a full-length pose, and the other showing a cluster of teepees found in Sitting Bull's camp, both published by D. F. Barry of Bismarck, Dakota. After working as a performer with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, Sitting Bull returned to the Standing Rock Agency in South Dakota. By late 1890, the emergence of the Ghost Dance Movement cast worries that Sitting Bull was planning to leave the reservation, and his arrest was soon ordered by Standing Rock agent James McLaughlin. When Sitting Bull refused to comply with police demands, force was taken and a group of enraged Sioux converged on the authorities. A close-quarters fight erupted, and within minutes Sitting Bull and seven of his supporters were shot and killed. An immensely desirable signature of a true folk hero.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #508 - Ended September 13, 2017





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