Lot 149
Lillie, Gordon (Pawnee Bill) (1860-1942) Showman and promoter, Pawnee Bill took Wild West shows across the country and to Europe, in much the same way as Buffalo Bill had. In 1908, Pawnee Bill bought into Buffalo Bill's show and consolidated the show into "Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Pawnee Bill's Great Far East."
Promissory Note Signed ("Gordon Lillie"). Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. 8½ x 3¼", Philadelphia, January 23, 1912. Drawn on the Fidelity Trust Company of Philadelphia, $20,000 is promised to Gordon Lillie on November 1, 1912. The amount is promised by "Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Pawnee Bill's Great Far East Combined" with Lillie signing as President and Charles Metius signing as Treasurer. Vertical fold, minor creasing, minor toning. Very good condition.
Here the great showman is promised payment (the fabulous sum of $20,000!), probably for his management of the venture. The Wild West shows were hugely successful and became complicated businesses, given the number of performers, venues and shows they entailed.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
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