ANNIE "LITTLE SURE SHOT" OAKLEY - PHOTOGRAPH MOUNT SIGNED CIRCA 1880s - HFSID 350518

ANNIE OAKLEY
Rare, signed, sepia-toned photograph of Annie Oakley holding a double-barreled shotgun in a gloved hand. Materials signed by Oakley are extremely rare and desirable!
Photograph mount signed "Annie. Oakley.". B/w sepia-toned, 3¾x5½ photo mounted on a 4¼x6½ card with rounded edges. Cabinet card photograph by Baker's Art Gallery, Columbus, Ohio. Oakley (1860-1926, born Phoebe Anne Moses in Darke County, Ohio), was born to a Quaker family and began to shoot rabbits and quail at age nine. Within five years, she was a breadwinner for her family as a markswoman, and, at age 15, she saved her family's farm with income she had earned from shooting game. On August 23, 1876, at age 16, Annie married Frank Butler, a vaudeville performer who became her partner. Annie's self-effacing personality (on and off stage) made her a popular performer. In 1885, the Butlers joined Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, where Annie was a star for 17 years. The five-foot-tall Oakley got her name "Little Sure Shot" from Sitting Bull and used it in her promotional materials. In 1901, she and her husband decided to retire from public life. However, shooting was in her blood, and the Butlers continued to make appearances around the country. Age did not appear to diminish her skills, but Oakley was seriously injured in an automobile accident in 1921. Although she did not think she had long to live at that time, by 1924 she was again performing. By 1925, however, Oakley was frail and in poor health. She died on November 3, 1926, just 18 days before her husband. Annie Oakley signed material is rare in any form. Lightly toned, soiled, stained and bowed. Signature has poor adhesion but is legible. Pinholes in corners. Mounting and tape remnants and discoloration on verso (no show-through). Otherwise in fine condition.  Framed by the Gallery of History, 35x20¼.