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Autograph Letter Signed, ÒUncle W.F. CodyÓ

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Autographs

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“Buffalo Bill” Sends His Nephew a Letter While on Tour in England, Along with a Photo of a Buffalo Named “Cody” !

WILLIAM F. “BUFFALO BILL” CODY.
Autograph Letter Signed, “Uncle W.F. Cody” in brown ink, written on personalized “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West / Touring Great Britain” watermarked stationery, October 4, 1903, Bradford, England, 7” x 4.5”, 2 pages integral, Choice Very Fine. Written to Buffalo Bill’s nephew, “Master Leonard Bell,” of Iowa, this very personal letter includes a black and white photo of a young American Bison that Buffalo Bill called his “grandson”, and which he sends to his nephew, promising to go hunting with them both:

“Pardon Uncle Bill for not answering your letter before. I rec’d your photograph. You remind me so much of the only little pose of my own I ever had. I have a lovely little grandson. I send you his picture. His name is Cody... and if you will write him and tell him your name is Cody too and you are named after his Papa Cody he will surely write you. He is quite a hunter. Sometime I will take you both hunting with me...”

Terrific content, displaying a playful, sensitive side to Buffalo Bill! The 3.75” x 4.75” bison photo is in outstanding condition, and the letter has only minor wear from handling, and small tape reinforcement along one center fold--not affecting the item in the least. The stationery features an embossed gilt buffalo, leaping across the top of the page, as does the original transmittal envelope, which is addressed in Buffalo Bill’s hand, and postmarked “Bradford [England]” on the front, and “Sigourney, Iowa” on the back. An incredible, one-of-a kind autographed item--we’ve had letters and signatures by Buffalo Bill before, but nothing that approaches this level of personal affection and significance as this photo and letter!
(3 items)

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