Autographs
Buffalo Bill Cody Signed Invitation Card Come To His Tent
WILLIAM F. "BUFFALO BILL" CODY (1846-1917). American Soldier, Bison Hunter and Showman, one of the most colorful figures of the American Old West, famous for his Cowboy theme shows, Buffalo Bill received the Medal of Honor in 1872.
1907-Dated, Partially-Printed "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show" Pass issued by "CODY & BAILEY", Signed, "W.F. Cody" with the additional Autograph Inscription reading, "Party to my tent." An invitation by BUFFALO BILL himself to his visit him at his personal tent. The Printed Card Pass measures 2.5" x 4.25", is lightly toned, is lacking the lower left corner (not affecting the text), prior mounting residue on the reverse and there is some rub to the inscription and at the center-right bottom edge where the topmost layer of the card had been thinned. Cody's signature is crisp, dark, and very clear, barely affected by the thin. In 1894 James Bailey buys a controlling interest in Buffalo Bill's Wild West. In 1907 Ringling Brothers purchase "Barnum and Bailey Circus" (shows remain separate), thus their name printed on the reverse with Cody. This special invitation to premier attendees to Buffalo Bill's show must have been important persons to receive an personal signed invitation such as this. Also accompanied by a colorful 1925-Dated printed Admission Ticket to the "101 Ranch Real Wild West and Great Far East" show, measuring 2.25" x 3.75", Extremely Fine. (2 items)
William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody, (1846-1917) was an American soldier, scout, bison hunter, and world renown showman. He was born in Le Claire, Iowa Territory (now the U.S. state of Iowa), but he lived for several years in his father's hometown in Toronto Township, Ontario, Canada, before the family returned to the Midwest and settled in the Kansas Territory.
Circuses and other traveling shows were a staple of 19th century American society. Three iconic American shows: Cooper, Bailey, and Company's Great International; the Barnum and Bailey Circus; and Buffalo Bill's Wild West show routes from the 1870s to the 1910s reveals how thoroughly they were embedded in global entertainment circuits. Buffalo Bill visited countries in Europe between 1887 and 1892 and again from 1902 to 1906; and Barnum and Bailey toured extensively in Europe from 1898 to 1902. Furthermore, in 1899, James Bailey officially relocated the headquarters of his circus to England, establishing the publically traded company Barnum and Bailey, Limited. By contrast, none of these shows travelled consistently to the West coast of the United States until 1907.

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