Autographs
Rare Stereograph View of: “Our First Grizzly, Killed by Gen. Custer and Col. Ludlow”
(GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER).
c. 1875, Stereograph View Photo of General George Custer, Colonel Ludlow and an Indian Guide over a huge Grizzly Bear which they hunted, Very Good. Some edge rounding and chipping from much actual wear from use. Each photo side measuring approximately 3” x 3” and presented together on a card measuring approximately 7” x 3.5” and matted to an overall size of 8” x 11.5”. The card text reads: “Our First Grizzly, killed by Gen. Custer and Col. [William] Ludlow. Stereographs of the Black Hills. Photographed by W. H. Illingsworth. Published by Huntington & Winne. 60 West Third Street, Saint Paul [MN].” A great Custer image that is very rare. Ex: EAHA, Inc. Auction December 11,1999, Lot 1095, where it brought $1,610.
George A. Custer, 1839-1876, was one of the most celebrated and controversial Civil War figures. Graduating last in his 1861 West Point class, he built a reputation for daring and brilliance, and in 1863 became a brigadier general. Until the end of the war, Custer fought with the utmost distinction in all the cavalry battles of the Army of the Potomac. He commanded a division in the Shenandoah and cut off Lee's escape at Appomattox. After the war he remained in the army fighting Indians and died at Little Big Horn.