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246

William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 2,500.00 USD
William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody

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Auction Date:2010 Jul 14 @ 22:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
TLS signed “W. F. Cody,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Offices of Holmes & Rogers Lawyers letterhead, February 29, 1908. Letter to the widow of circus founder James A. Bailey, now his partner in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World. In full: “In regard to our agreement of December 6th, 1906, I wish to say that it is my understanding, both with regard to last year and to the coming years, under that agreement, that the provision in the third clause for a weekly compensation to me of $500 is understood by me that that sum will be paid me weekly during the part of the year that the show is on the road and on a paying basis, out of my share of profits irrespective of any pledge of my share of the profits to you, and in computing any amounts of profits to be credited to me and applied by you on any indebtedness of mine, this $500 a week is to be charged to me as part of my profits. This sum, however, is not to be deemed a loan to me, but simply a preliminary payment of profits to me, not assigned to you. I correspondingly understand both for last year and for the coming years, under the contract, that the compensation of Mr. McCaddon or any other person appointed by you in his stead as your representative in financial management, is a charge against you and not against the firm.” The statement typed beneath Cody’s letter, “I understand the agreement in the same way,” is signed in Ruth Bailey’s name by her brother, James T. McCaddon, business manager of Barnum and Bailey, as attorney in fact.

Accompanied by a three-page, 8.5 x 13, typed carbon listing headed “John D. Burgess in acct. with William F. Cody,” signed at the conclusion “A true copy from / Vouchers & books / John D. Burgess / Tucson A.T. Dec 14/10.” Labor expenses include “Locating Cody-Burgess Group $108…Work on pure Gold, $106…Work on Cody-Burgess 607…Assaying 22…”

In very good condition, with scattered moderate creasing, a few lightly affecting Cody’s signature, and several areas of irregular mild toning.

Here is a document that connects two of the greatest traveling shows ever to grace the planet—Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and the Barnum and Bailey Circus! At the time he sent this letter, Cody and his show had been on an extended tour of Europe. The legendary soldier, showman, and rodeo owner had earlier joined forces with Bailey, the famed circus owner who had since died. In this correspondence, the surviving partner wanted to make certain that death would not disrupt the agreed upon terms of a contract that paid Cody the aforementioned $500. Unique insight into the mind of a very shrewd entertainer.
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