CHARLES A. LINDBERGH Lindbergh's driver's license application signed by him twice and notarized, only three months before the kidnapping of his infant son. In the year after the kidnapping, with the baby found dead but no suspect yet apprehended, the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commissioner (and future Governor) Harold Hoffman sent this application to a radio station which was closely following the case. Hoffman, later unmasked as a criminal himself, meddled extensively in the kidnapping case. Document signed twice: "C. A. Lindbergh", 2 pages (front and verso), 3¾x5. Mercer County, New Jersey, 1931 December 29. New Jersey Automobile Driver's Renewal Application, filled out by Lindbergh himself, giving his address (Hopewell, New Jersey) and physical description. He gives New York City as his place of (self) employment, and attests that he has never had his license revoked or suspended, nor had he been refused a license. Signed and attested as truthful by Lindbergh on verso and notarized by "Edward R. Whitehead". Light vertical crease at center (not affecting signatures). Signatures slightly smudged (still legible). Lightly worn at edges. Otherwise, fine condition. read more...

ANNIE OAKLEY B/w photograph of Annie Oakley from the chest up in a white blouse and jacket. This photo is especially unusual because it shows her without the rows of shooting medals that she often wore. Anything signed by Oakley is exceedingly rare. Photograph mount signed: "Compliments. of/Annie. Oakley." on verso. B/w, 4¼x6½ overall, image 4x5½ (two surfaces). Photograph by Gray, 1030 Tremont St., Boston (imprint at lower margin). 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. read more...

COLE YOUNGER Writing from prison in Stillwater, Minnesota, the outlaw thanks a state senator for a speech advocating his release. Autograph Letter signed twice: "Cole Younger", 2 pages, 7½x12¼. Stillwater, Minnesota, 1899 March 26. Signed on both pages. To "Hon. M. G. Daly, Senate Chambers, St Paul, Minnesota". In full (spelling errors in original): "Mrs. McNeil, Mrs. Greene and Hon. G. H. Schurmer was here to day. Wish I could repeat all they said in regard to the speech you made in the Senate in favor of the Wilson Bill. I had read what little the papers give and felt very grateful. But if posable I would feel still more after hearing them speak so highly. They were wishing I could have herd you. I told them I would feel very happy as it was if you could only here them praising you. They said everone said it was one of the best speeches made in the Senate during the session. Let me assure you there will never be any act of ours in or out of prison that will caus you to regret having extended a helping hand to us in this our hour of distress and our heart felt gratitude is yours in read more...

PATRICK GARRETT The legendary sheriff who gunned down Billy the Kid signed this typed letter regarding a transfer of money Typed Letter Signed: "P. F. Garrett, Sheriff". 8½x6¼. Dated August 16, 1900. One page. In Full: "For value received, I hereby transfer…to Mr. S. Spitz of Santa Fe New Mexico, my account against the Territory of New Mexico for Fifty Dollars…for Requisition issued by the Governor of the Territory of New Mexico."  Accompanied by a mailing envelope addressed to Garrett. Patrick Garrett (1850-1908) lived a fairly long life despite his proclivity for gunfights and maintaining the law. After being elected to Sheriff in Lincoln County, New Mexico in November of 1880, Garrett engaged in a nine-month chase to hunt down Billy the Kid, even crossing county lines. He shot and killed the criminal on July 15, 1881. Garrett published a book about Billy the Kid and his unlawful lifestyle, making him out to be a ruffian. Other sources mythicized Billy the Kid, and this latter point-of-view generally won the day despite Garrett's best efforts. read more...

ANNIE OAKLEY Extremely rare signed postcard photo of her dressed as an Indian! Postcard Photograph inscribed and signed: "Annie Oakley as a Sioux/Maiden admires her/new head gear./A Merry Christmas/to Laforrds & Family". Sepia, 5½x3½. Annie Oakley (1860-1926) was born Phoebe Anne Oakley Mozee in Ohio. She was the sixth of eight children. At the age of nine she began to shoot rabbits and quail and was almost a dead shot from the first. Within five years, she was a breadwinner for her family as a markswoman. In 1876, at age 16, she 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. Annie, a star with the show for 17 years, charmed Kings and Queens. The five-foot-tall Oakley got her name "Little Sure Shot" from Lakota Sioux Chief Sitting Bull, who was briefly a part of the show in 1885, and used it in her promotional materials. In 1901, she was severely injured in a railroad wreck that temporarily paralyzed her. read more...

PAT GARRETT A year after he gunned down fugitive Billy the Kid, Sheriff Garrett brings another man to justice, charged with keeping his saloon open on Sunday! Autograph Endorsement signed: "Pat F. Garrett, Sheriff", on verso of an 8½x7 arrest warrant. Territory of New Mexico, 1882 October 24. Responding to a warrant ordering the arrest of Benjamin H. Ellis "to answer unto an Information for violating Sunday Laws." Garrett replies, in full: "I hereby certify that I served the within writ by arresting the body of the within named Ben H. Ellis and producing said body in court. [signature] Fee for service, commitment, return $2.50". Accompanied by document enumerating the charges, signed "S. B. Newcomb" as District Attorney. The accused, Ellis, is charged with keeping his saloon open on Sunday, and selling liquor, cigars and other merchandise to diverse persons. Also accompanied by unsigned postcard in an Old West Collectors Series, featuring a photo of Garrett. read more...

MOSES AUSTIN and MOSES BATES Austin posts bond for his brother-in-law, Moses Bates with Sheriff (later US Senator) Henry Dodge Manuscript Document signed: "Moses Bates", "Moses Austin", 1 page, 7½x12½. Each has hand-drawn his seal to the right of his signature. Ste Genevieve, Missouri, 1812 April 5. Docketed on verso. In full: "Know all Men by these present that we Moses Bates and Moses Austin are held and formerly bound to H. Dodge Sheriff of the District of St. Genevieve in the kind sum of Eight hundred and forty Dollars lawful money of the United States to be paid to the said Dodge or his successor..The condition of the above obligation is such that a capias ad respondendum has Issued from the Court of Common Pleas for the District cop[ie]d at the suit of William C. Carr and Henry Elliott administrator of Earon Elliott deceased on which said suit bail is required for the sum of four hundred and Twenty Dollars and the said Dodge has arrested the said Moses Bates in his capacity as sheriff of the said Bates should be cast in the said suit he will pay read more...

ANNIE OAKLEY Check signed with her married name, Annie Butler, filled out by her to her grand-daughter (by adoption), with an additional note in Annie's hand on verso. Check signed: "Annie Butler", 6½x2¾. Newark, New Jersey, 1923 June 15. Check #135, drawn on the Newark & Essex Banking Co. payable to Elizabeth Hall for $50. Endorsed ""Elizabeth Hall". Handwritten note in Oakley's hand on verso: "Board to F. E. Butlers Grand Daughter. 22 Weikel Ave. Merchantville, N. J. Known as Niece". Annie 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. read more...

FRANK JAMES Awaiting his second trial in a year, the famous outlaw writes a loving letter to his 7 year old son Robert ("My Dear Little Man") Autograph Letter signed: "Your Father/Frank James" in pencil, 1 pages, 5½x8½. No place, 1884 February 29. Written in block letters to "My Dear Little Man", in full: "I want you to hurry up and learn to ride so you can get you a new saddle. I want you to learn to write and write me a letter. Addressed in verso to "Robert F. James/at home". This letter was enclosed with a letter James wrote to his wife Annie. Accompanied by printed chart titled "The Deaf and Dumb Alphabet", showing the appropriate hand signals. Notation in Frank James' hand: "For Rob". FRANK JAMES (1843-1915) and his brother Jesse James fought as Confederate guerrillas in Missouri ("Quantrill's Raiders") during the Civil War. They joined Cole Younger and others in 1866 to form a gang led by Jesse, robbing banks and trains. Frank and Jesse survived and escaped the failed Northfield, Minnesota bank heist of 1876, forming a new gang. read more...