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Pawnee Bill's Personal Saddle

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana / Collectibles - Old West Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Pawnee Bill's Personal Saddle
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Pawnee Bill's Personal Saddle. Historic saddle owned by the famous Wild West showman and promoter, Pawnee Bill. An everyday riding saddle, obviously custom made for the owner, with his likeness carved into the fenders and “PAWNEE BILL” below. Saddle has a strong S. C. Gallup look, with mounted corners, nickel horn and high straight cantle. Domed mountings on the skirt corners are Canon City engraved. The back of the cantle announces, “PAWNEE BILL” in deep carved letters. Circa 1890s, well-worn, as to be expected.

Gordon William Lillie, aka “Pawnee Bill” (1860-1942)
Born Gordon Lillie, the man most know as Pawnee Bill, developed a love for the West in childhood after his parents moved the family to Kansas. By the age of 19, he was working on the Pawnee Indian agency in Indian Territory. In 1883, he was given the chance to work as the Pawnee interpreter with Buffalo Bill's Wild West, the origin of his nickname, "Pawnee Bill." He developed a friendship and partnership with Buffalo Bill Cody, but was also lauded for his solo career, as well as his performing career with his wife, May Lillie. Pawnee Bill outlasted most in the Wild West. Today you can still visit the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum in Pawnee, Oklahoma.