February 2024 Auction Ends Thursday, February 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/29/2024
Scarce autograph of Sitting Bull, the Sioux Chief who led his men at the Battle of Little Bighorn, one of the few battles won by Native Americans and where General George Armstrong Custer was killed. Sitting Bull here signs a slip measuring approximately 4.25'' x .6875'', affixed to an original cabinet card of him, with part of his signature extending onto the cabinet card. Taken by O.S. Goff in 1881, this image is the only time Sitting Bull sat for a photograph.
After evading federal forces for five years after Little Bighorn, Sitting Bull surrendered in 1881 but was ultimately shot dead in 1890 by Indian police fearful that the powerful Sioux Chief was fomenting a revolt. Cabinet card measures 4.25'' x 6.5''. Minor wear and soiling, mounting remnants to verso. Overall very good condition with a bold signature. With University Archives COA.
Signature was obtained by the missionary Rev. Melanctin E. Chapin, a Presbyterian minister from Northfield, Ohio who served in South Dakota in the 1870-1880s. Then by descent to the present consignor.
Very Rare Signature of Sitting Bull on an Original 1881 Cabinet Card -- With University Archives COA
Click above for larger image.