James B. "Wild Bill" Hickok Tintype and Autograph Poem Signed 

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American History

By Cowan's Auctions

Jun 10, 2016 - Jun 11, 2016

Set Reminder 2016-06-10 10:00:00 2016-06-11 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American History https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-1497
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• Lot Description

  James B. "Wild Bill" Hickok Tintype and Autograph Poem Signed 
  
  Lot of 2, featuring a full-length tintype portrait of James B. "Wild Bill" Hickok wearing a two-piece suit, 2 x 3.375 in., housed in miniature, book-style, full leather case with gilt edges, gilt-ornamental design, and metal clasps. An autograph poem signed "James B. Hickok" that was found inside the miniature case, beneath the tintype, is also included, 1p, 2.165 x 3.5 in. Believed to be a transcription of a love poem, the penciled inscription is addressed to an unknown lady named "Sadie" or "Sadia," and reads in full:
  
  Do I love thee go ask
  the flowers if they
  Love sweet refreshing
  Showers
  SadiaJames B. Hickok
  Springfield
  Mo.
  
  Hickok also initialed the inner cloth liner of the miniature case "J.B.H." in pencil. Ca 1865-1866 or 1872-1873.
  
  The lot is accompanied by copies of 4 letters from Joseph G. Rosa, one of the leading experts on the life of Hickok who authored at least 4 books on the subject. In 3 of the letters, dated October-November 1985, which were written to a former owner, Rosa confirms the authenticity of the signed poem and tintype. Rosa's fourth letter was written in March 1986 to a representative of Swann Galleries, which offered the tintype and poem at auction as Lot 76 on April 24, 1986. In the letter, Rosa again verifies the authenticity of the tintype and poem. He states, in part: 
  
  "I am satisfied that the plate is of Wild Bill Hickok. The accompanying manuscript's reference to Springfield, Mo., is interesting because Hickok spent some time in the city. He was there during the Civil War where, inbetween service as a wagonmaster, scout, detective and spy for the Union Army, he became a familiar figure...He left the city in January 1866, but returned in the fall of 1872 and remained there until the early months of 1873. In my opinion the plate was made during that period because Hickok's appearance tallies with photographs known to have been made of him about this time."
  
  Although Rosa said that he would continue to research the tintype in an attempt to identify the photographer and the period of time in which it was produced as well as learn more about the mysterious recipient of Hickok's poem and affections, "Sadie" or "Sadia," no further information has been uncovered about these exceptionally rare offerings. 

  AUCTIONEER'S NOTE: In an August 2001 True West article on the tintype and poem offered here, Rosa revisited the tintype and poem, and concluded that the poem was likely not written in the hand of Hickok. The article is available through the following link: http://www.truewestmagazine.com/a-pistoleer-poet/. 

  Condition

  Tintype is a bit dark; however the image is clear. Typical soiling and wear to the plate. The poem is written in pencil, loss to lower right corner, two stains on poem, which have little impact on the poem or signature.

• Shipping Info

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• Buyer's Premium

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