Lot 157
Sitting Bull (Tatanka-Iyotanka) (born c. 1831 to 1834, died 1890) Legendary American Indian leader, born near Grand River, South Dakota, member of Junkpapa Sioux tribe; became head chief of the entire Sioux nation c. 1867. When the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 was set aside to allow white settlement in the Black Hills and the commissioner of Indian Affairs decreed that all Lakota not settled on reservations by January 31, 1876 would be considered hostile, Sitting Bull summoned the Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho to defend their land. On June 25, 1876, Indian forces led by Oglala Lakota war chief Crazy Horse were attacked by the Seventh Cavalry under General George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The resultant massacre caused the relentless pursuit of the Lakota, and the chiefs surrendered one by one. Sitting Bull crossed into Canada and remained defiant for four years. He came south to surrender only after he found it impossible to feed his people.
Bold Signature on the verso of a trade card for the "Randall House Location Fort Randall Dakota," 2¾"x4¾", n.p., n.d. Fine. In faint writing across the top border of the card is "G Anderson NSA Fort Randall Dakota" followed by the date Jan. 28, 1882. Since Sitting Bull was being held prisoner at Fort Randall on this date, having surrendered on July 19, 1881, it is probable that Sitting Bull signed the card for Anderson on the noted date. The card that Sitting Bull signed is a collectible in its own right, apparently distributed to encourage visitors during the Indian Wars of the 1880s and to alleviate their fears of Indian attacks. In part: "This Hotel, which has been built at Fort Randall, Dakota, has been built by the Post Trader, for the accommodation of all who visit the most pleasant military post on the frontier. Although in Indian Country, this fort is strongly garrisoned and safe from danger.…" The signed card is housed in a two-sided 7"x9" frame which is hinged to a larger 25"x27" frame, 5½" deep, which holds an image of Sitting Bull, a biography, and an 8" statue of Sitting Bull, signed "D Monfor 1935"; the latter sits in a recess and has some slight damage. The frames have several nicks that need retouching. Sitting Bull's signature is quite bold.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 9,000.
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| Realized $5,750 |
