Autographs From Buffalo Bill

Autographs from Buffalo Bill are among the mostWest Show.  On legal documents that include
treasured personalities of the Old West.  Buffalochecks, promissory notes, and contracts, Buffalo
Bill was a terrific showman and he readily signedBill signed his name "William F. Cody." 
programs and photos to promote himself and hisPhotographs signed by photographs are
Wild West Show.  Organized in 1883, Buffalo Bill'ssometimes seen on the autograph marketplace. 
Wild West Show toured the United States andMany Buffalo Bill cabinet photographs are of
Europe for over 30 years. impressive image quality.  One of the most
The success of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Showimpressive photographs shows him with legendary
demonstrated his ability as a businessman andIndian Chief Sitting Bull.  Quality photographs
entertainer.  Extravagantly staged battlessigned by Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull are among
between cowboys and Indians thrilled audiences. the most expensive autographs in the field of
The Wild West Show also featured Annie Oakleyautographs of the Old West. 
who attracted millions of people to witness herOf particular interest to collectors of Old West
amazing sharp shooting.  In 1887, Buffalo Billmemorabilia are autographs by Buffalo Bill and his
performed to packed crowds at Madison Squarebusiness partner Gordon W. "Pawnee Bill" Lillie on
Garden in New York City. legal documents.  In 1883, Buffalo Bill hired
Among the most readily available autographsPawnee Bill as an interpreter and supervisor of
identified with Buffalo Bill is his marvelous doublethe Indians in his Wild West Show.  Lillie started
signature: "W.F. Cody/"Buffalo Bill".  He commonlyhis own show in 1888, but eventually joined
wrote his eponymous name "Buffalo Bill" withBuffalo Bill's Wild West Show in 1908.  Quality
quotation marks.  Sometimes Buffalo Bill wouldreproductions of legal documents that are signed
add: "True to Friend and Foe."  The combinationby Buffalo Bill, Pawnee Little, and Annie Oakley
of double signatures and his oft-used quote is aare available for creating marvelous displays. 
wonderful autograph presentation. Fortunately, generations of autograph aficionados
Letters written by Buffalo Bill are desirablehave maintained autographs from Buffalo Bill in
mementoes.  Buffalo Bill typically signed his nametheir collection.  Their diligent care has provided a
as "W.F. Cody" on autographed letters to businesssource of Buffalo Bill autographs for future
associates.  He signed "Will" on autographedgenerations of autograph collectors interested in
letters to close family members and often signedthe lore and legends of the Old West.
as the name "Cody" to coworkers of his Wild