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.
SAMUEL COLT Samuel Colt Autograph Letter Signed to Edward Wesson Regarding the Development of a Dragoon Form Revolving Carbine. ALS signed: "Saml. Colt-" on page 1 and "S.C." on page 2. The letter is four integral pages written on pages one and two and addressed on page four, 8" x 9.75", New Haven, Connecticut, April 12, 1847, and postmarked the same day. Very fine condition. Framed by the Gallery of History, 31½x39. Samuel Colt writes asking that Wesson bore and rifle two long barrels that Colt expressed to him that day. Colt explains that "I want them for moddles [sic], & not having as yet any convenience for boring & rifling anything but pistol barrels" he is giving the tooling commission to Wesson. Colt gives specific instructions asking that Wesson make the barrel of one gun to accommodate "a round ball 50 to the pound loading at the britch [sic] & must not be any larger in the bore than the sample pistol barrel I send you." Shortly after this letter was written Colt moved his operations from New Haven to New York and began the production of the Colt Dragoon Revolver.
PAT GARRETT Letter to his wife about their old ranch in Roswell, New Mexico; with envelope incorporating a second signature. ALS: "P.F. Garrett", 3p, 6x8½. Roswell, N.M., 1893 July 16. To his wife. In full: "This is Sunday evening. I got here Thursday and find this country dryer than I ever saw it. Everything looks bad. The cattle are dieing (sic) and everything has a desolate appearance. I went out to our old place this morning. It looks about as it did when we left except the cotton-woods have grown considerable, the grape vine (sic) are loaded with grapes and look well but the Peach trees look bad several have died. I find the Horses in bad shape. Garvey has sold and stole them so that there are not a great many left. I will begin to gather them tomorrow and am going to sell for some price. I intend to close out all we have here. So I will never have to come to this country again. I cant tell yet when I will get home. Write me at once and let me know how you all are getting along. If you had come with me this trip you would never want to see this country again. Mr. Coburn died yesterday and was buried this morning.
WILLIAM F. CODY: BUFFALO BILL 4¼x6½ cabinet card photo, signed both as W.F. Cody and as Buffalo Bill Cabinet Card Photograph signed: "W.F. Cody/'Buffalo Bill'". B/w, 4¼x6½. Superb portrait of William F. Cody with his desirable double signature. Photographer's imprint, "Gessford/238 Fifth Ave./N.Y.", at lower mount. William Frederick Cody (1846-1917) was a rider for the Pony Express in 1860, a scout for the Kansas Cavalry against the Indians (1863) and served in the U.S. Army in the Civil War (1863-1865). From 1867-1868, he furnished buffalo meat for the Union Pacific Railroad construction crews, earning his nickname, "Buffalo Bill". Cody was a scout for the 5th U.S. Cavalry from 1868-1872 and in 1876. From 1872-1883, he was on stage as an actor at first in E.Z.C. Judson's play, Scouts of the Plains. He organized Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in 1883 and toured the United States and Europe successfully for over 30 years. Fine condition. 
CHARLES A. LINDBERGH and ANN LINDBERGH The original, hand-written note authorizing John Condon to act on their behalf during the 1932 ransom investigation of their kidnapped son! Charles Lindbergh was America's hero. The "Lone Eagle's" intrepid voyage across the Atlantic, in 1927, inspired a public loyalty to Lindbergh that endured long after the flight's successful conclusion. In terms of aviation, Lindbergh did not rest on his laurels following his famed Atlantic crossing. He continued to blaze new airborne trails, often accompanied by his wife, Anne (1906-2001). Lindbergh (1902-1974) was more than just the first man to fly the Atlantic alone. His solo journey captured the imagination of an adoring public on numerous psychological levels. That his quest was bold and daring, and thus resonant with the nation's collective spirit of adventure, is obvious. The consequences of his success were equally clear. Lindbergh was revered as a national hero, given the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Air Corps, awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and the first Distinguished Flying Cross, and immersed in opportunities to leverage his new fame into wealth.
EMMETT DALTON The only surviving Dalton Gang member writes a letter to a publisher regarding facts surrounding his supposed shooting from the hip and the use of two guns. Typed letter signed: "Emmett Dalton", black ink, 1p, 8½ x 11. Hollywood, California, June 15, 1935. To Mr. C.W. Mowre/Dell Publications/New York City. In full: "Dear Mr. Mowre:/Thank you for the two all western magazines you sent me last week. You certainly gave me a large spriad (sic) this time. Its all appreciated if you never get paid. "Chuch" told me that you had sent him a fan letter, last issue, giving me the devil for saying the Pine Pinyons were on the Salt River, etc. Then, last week Mr. McBride, who works on the L.A. Times here called my hand for saying in the last all western about faning a gun, shooting from the hip and the two-gun man. He said "I thought you claimed there was never such a man as that." Of course, he was a very good friend of mine and I very easily talked him out of "When The Daltons Rode" and told him to use it as a reference.
WILLIAM F. CODY Autograph letter to General Nelson Miles (1896), introducing a friend, signed "Your old Scout/W.F. Cody" ALS: "Your old Scout/W.F. Cody", 1 page, 6x9½. New Hampshire House, New York, 1896 January 29. To General Nelson A. Miles, Washington, D.C. In full: "Please permit me to introduce Mr. J.L. Cunningham and (sic, an) old personal friend who wishes to speak to you. If you will give him a hearing. You will greatly oblige." Both NELSON MILES and BILL CODY overlapped in their time of military service during the western campaigns against the Indians. Cody was Chief Scout for the 5th Cavalry and Miles commanded the 5th Infantry. They served under Philip Sheridan. In 1896, the year of this letter, Cody's Wild West Show was extensively touring and he was also developing his land in Cody, Wyoming; while Miles was Commander in Chief of the Army. Great associations, worthy of further research. Lightly creased. ¾-inch separation at upper left blank horizontal fold. 2-inch separation at lower left horizontal fold touches 1 word (all intact).
EMMETT DALTON The only surviving Dalton Gang member signs this letter regarding his new book and wanting to hang a photo relating to the James Boys in his den, dated 1931 Typed letter signed: "Emmett Dalton", 1p, 8x10. No place, June 19, 1931 . To Marx Reimers, St. Paul, Minnesota. In full: "Thank you very kindly for your letter of June nineteenth, with enclosures. I am sending you an autographed photograph of myself, taken about ten years ago. The story 'West of 96' is published by Doubleday, Doran and Company, Garden City, New York, and is on sale at most all the large book stores and many department stores also. It is published under the title of 'When the Daltons Rode' and is about 80,000 words, illustrated, and much more complete than 'West of 96' which is about half that length. I would be pleased to receive a photo of the arch from which you say the James Boys started, for my private 'Den'. With Kindest regards." Emmett Dalton (1871-1937) and his three brothers led a murderous gang of train robbers, who used a network of informers and hideouts to evade a widespread manhunt.
EMMETT DALTON The former outlaw assigns all rights, including the Dalton name, to his stepdaughter. TLS: "Emmett Dalton", 1p, 6x8. Hollywood, California, 1936 March 9.To his stepdaughter Jennie Gilstrap Perrier, Skiatcok, Oklahoma.In full: "I hope this finds you well and happy. My shoulder is getting worse. Your mother Julia and I borrowed from your oil money when you were young to make my first picture, and also to pay Double Day to print the book When The Daltons Rode. We have never repaid you. I am making assignment of all my rights, title, and interest including the Dalton name, to your mother Julia. This I am giving to you for the money I owe you, upon her passing, and any interest in my brother Frank Dalton's name that I used in the motion picture. There are no other Dalton heirs, and all in perpetuum rights are yours." 2 file holes at upper blank margin. Lightly soiled, light stains at right margin. Overall, fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned Marriage License and Certificate of Marriage for Emmett Dalton and Julia A. Lewis, 1p, 8½ x 14. Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 1908 September 1. 2 file holes at upper margin. Lightly soiled, else fine condition.
PAT GARRETT The legendary lawman who shot Billy the Kid, signs a stock certificate. Stock certificate signed: "P.F. Garrett" as Secretary, and "Dec/12/1899/PFG" on the Internal Revenue Stamp affixed on verso. 1p, 10¼ x 8. Jarilla, New Mexico, 1899 December 12. Certifying that D.M. Goodrich owns 200 shares of the capital stock of The Atlantic Gold and Copper Mining Company. Also signed: "J.M. Llewellyn" as President. The company was incorporated under the laws of the Territory of New Mexico in 1899, the year of this certificate. (New Mexico became a state in 1912). The stock capitalization for this company was $200,000 with each share valued at $10. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 23¾ x 16¼. Verso of document is visible from the back of the frame. Frame exhibits minor wearing at corners. Patrick Garrett (1850-1908) lived a long life despite his proclivity for gunfights and maintaining the law.
PHILIP SHERIDAN The former Civil War Union general accepts the invitation of Ohio Senator John Sherman to act as Marshal for the Ceremonies at the dedication of the Washington Monument. Manuscript LS: "P.H. Sheridan" as Lieutenant General, 1½p, 7½ x 9¾ lined sheet, front and verso (hinged to show both sides of letter). Washington, D.C., 1884 December 12. On letterhead of Headquarters, Army of the United States to Hon. John Sherman, U.S. Senate.Begins: "My dear Sir". In full: "I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of December 11th. communicating the resolution unanimously adopted by the Commission, inviting me to 'act as Marshal on the day of the ceremonies, to arrange the details of the procession and assign to the different organizations their places in the line.' Accepting with pleasure the duty thus assigned me, I beg that you will convey to the commission my high appreciation of the distinguished honor conferred upon me.
ARCHIBALD McLEOD and OTHERS. McLeod signs a document detailing the expenses and commitments required of a guide on an upcoming fur trapping trip. Partly Printed DS: "A.N. McLeod", 1p, 6½ x 11¾. Montreal, Canada, 1820 October 20. In French, translated. In full: "BEFORE THE NOTARIES of the Province of Lower-Canada in Montreal, residing there, undersigned: was present Joseph Alexis Jeussaume de Rigaute Who has voluntarily committed himself and commits himself by these presents to Messrs. William McGillivray, Simon McGillivray, Archibald Norman McLeod, Thomas Thain, and Henry Mackenzie, of Montreal, Merchants and associates, under the name of McTAVISH, McGILLIVRAYS & Co. & PIERRE DE ROCHEBLAVE, A N McLeod Esquire here present and accepting, upon their first requisition, to depart from Montreal in the capacity of Bowman in one of their canoes, to make the voyage, and to winter during three years in the dependencies of the North-West in the Upper-Canada, (will not be free of the present commitment until 
COLE YOUNGER This rare 4¼x7¼ sepia-toned photo is a bust portrait of Cole Younger, one of Quantrill's Raiders during the American Civil War, and a member of the James-Younger gang. In this portrait, Younger is a middle-aged man wearing a suit and tie. Mounted on an 8x12 sheet of cardstock that's signed "Yours Truly" by Younger. Inscribed photograph mount signed "To/W. A. Bell./Yours Truly/Cole Younger". B/w sepia-toned, 4¼x7¼ photo affixed to an 8x12 sheet of brown cardstock. Younger (1844-1916) was one of Quantrill's Raiders, a notorious band of American Civil War guerillas, as well as a member of the James-Younger Gang with Frank and Jesse James. Younger, a Missourian, joined William Quantrill after Union-supported bandits from Kansas killed his father. He participated in Quantrill's raid on Lawrence, Kansas, one of the worst atrocities of the war, in which about 180 people were killed. After the war, Younger became an outlaw with brothers James, John and Robert, later joining the James brothers, who had also been members of Quantrill's Raiders.
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.
SITTING BULL Rare signature of the Lakota Chief on a postal receipt. Receipt signed: "Sitting Bull" in black ink, bold signature. 5 x 2¾. No date. Postal receipt for a registered letter number 4743 (not included) to "Chief Sitting Bull / Fort Yates Dak. Ty.". Signed items from Sitting Bull are extremely rare in any form. Fine condition. Sitting Bull (1831-1890) was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader who led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies. His vision of a U.S. defeat at the hands of the Lakota became true at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. Following his work with Buffalo Wild Bill's Wild West traveling show, he returned to the Standing Rock Reservation where he was eventually killed by Indian agency police during an attempt to arrest him. Framed to an overall size of 18½ x 15½. 
EDWARD Z.C. JUDSON (NED BUNTLINE) The author signs "Ned Buntline, Ready for Game" on a photograph of himself holding hunting rifle. Photograph signed: "'Ned Buntline,'/Ready for Game." Sepia, 4¼ x 6¼ overall, image 3¾ x 5¼ (one surface). Studio photograph by Sarony of New York, signed with his penname. A nautical term for the rope at the bottom of a square sail, the name Buntline was adopted from his youthful navy days. Soldier, adventurer, and writer Edward Z.C. Judson (1823-1886) had developed his sensational literary style in the 1840s, when he began submitting exaggerated accounts of his adventures to "Knickerbocker Magazine". Arrested, shot at and even hung once (someone cut the rope), in 1869, Judson "discovered" Western scout William F. Cody, nicknamed him Buffalo Bill and exploited his adventures in books and plays. Earlier, Judson had helped organize the anti-foreign, anti-labor American Party, better known, thanks to Judson, as the Know-Nothing Party (1850-1856).
RAIN IN THE FACE 4x8 broadside containing Longfellow's famous poem, "The Revenge of Rain-in-the-Face," signed by the Sioux warrior at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 Broadside signed in pencil: "Rain in the Face", 1 page, 4x8, Affixed with clear tape to 5¾ x 9¾ book paper. Printed text of "The Revenge of Rain-in-the-Face," an 8-stanza poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Additional printed text at bottom: "'Rain-In-The-Face' is now on exhibition at the Sitting Bull Log Cabin Exhibit on Midway Plaisance next to Military Camp, World's Fair Grounds." Lakota Sioux war chieftain Rain in the Face (1835-1905) was already a veteran warrior of battles with other Native American nations, including the Cheyenne when he battled US troops for the first time in a raid against Fort Totten, in what is now North Dakota, in 1866. Arrested by Captain Thomas Custer in 1874 on the orders of GeneralGeorge Armstrong Custer (Thomas' brother) on murder charges, Rain in the Face escaped, and joined Sitting Bull's war band before the Battle of the Little Big Horn (June 25, 1876). Surviving details of that battle, which annihilated Custer's 7th Cavalry troopers, are conflicting.
ANNIE OAKLEY Carte de visite signed by Oakley for friend Ed Goodman, Buffalo Bill's nephew, who was part of the Wild West show Photograph signed: "Annie Oakley". Sepia, 4½x6½ carte de visite. 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. 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.
FRANK JAMES Extremely rare autograph letter written by Western outlaw Frank James to his wife and son from an Alabama jail (1884), discussing the hardships of imprisonment, his feelings of betrayal by "my pretended friends", and family attendance at his coming trial. Contained in a 9x14½ brown leather folio with a b/w photo of James. Autograph and signed material by James is extremely rare and highly desirable! Rare autograph letter signed "Frank James". 2 pages, 8½x14, 1 sheet, front and verso, ruled paper. Comes in a 9x14½ (27x28¼ unfolded) brown leather folio with a 5¼x6¼ b/w photo of James and a Charles Hamilton letter of authentication. Dated: Mar. 12, 1884. James wrote this letter to his wife and son after surrendering and awaiting trial for bank robbery. "My Dear Wife and Robert... I am truly in hope I may not be ill any more while in jail at least... the only money I spend is for stamps and tobacco... As I write it rains and the heavy peals of thunder and vivid flashes of lightning very nearly raises me out of my chair... I have scarcely any fire and think I will let it die...
WILLIAM BARCLAY "BAT" MASTERSON Rare, 1914 typed letter signed by the Western lawman on New York Morning Telegraph letterhead signed by the Western lawman while he was a sports writer at the paper. It's addressed to Robert M. Wright, author of Dodge City, The Cowboy Capital and laments the sale of Wright's "meritorious volume". With three typed manuscript pages from Wright's book on the murder of Masterson's brother Ed. Typed letter signed "W. B. Masterson" in purple ink. 1 page, 8½x11, on letterhead of the New York Morning Telegraph. Feb. 4, 1914. Addressed to the Honorable R. N. Wright, Dodge City, Kansas. In full: "My dear Bob:- I got your letter yesterday and hasten to reply for fear I'll forget it as I find it is quite easy for me to forget things now. I am indeed sorry that the book doesn't sell more readily than it does for it really is a meritorious volume. I will call Mr. Price's attention to what you say regarding his writing from time to time stories from the book and believe as you do that will help its sale immensely.
WILLIAM BARCLAY "BAT" MASTERSON He pens a letter in correspondence to an individual stating they are relatives in which Masterson quickly replies with otherwise! Autograph Letter Signed: "W.B. Masterson". 2 pages, 8x10, loosely placed in 9½x11½ folio. Accompanied by original mailing envelope; heavily toned, soiled and worn. December 31, 1905, New York City, written to "Mr. Watson F. Masterson" of Ramsey, West Virginia. In full: "Dear Sir. Without going into details can assure you that we are not related; even remotely. My father was born in this state eighty years ago and moved to Illinois where I was born fifty one years ago. There are a great many families of Mastersons in Missouri and Iowa none of whom are related to mine. My father had but one brother and he was several years the eldest and has been dead about forty years and died without issue. Very respectfully." Masterson (1853-1921) was an American frontier gambler and buffalo hunter and a scout for the United States Army.
JOHN WESLEY HARDIN While awaiting a hearing to appeal his conviction in the murder of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb, the twenty-two year-old gunslinger writes his uncle and Cousin Mat. Excessively rare, spectacular content autograph letter signed twice "J. W. Hardin", 4p. 8vo. 5x8, [Jail in Austin, Texas], Feb. 21, 1875. In part: "...[original spellings retained]I now Seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am injoying Good health through the Blessing of the all ruling power above. I am Doing as well as could be expected. Am Still being treated well by my Keepers. They are very kind & and attentive to me although there has been many (lies) told to them on the out-Side as well as the in Side (even, by men that some would deem my friends) Some of whom would like to Lay there crimes on me...my Load is heavier enough without being made a Scape goat for others to ride of on. It is true that I am convicted for 25 yr but nevertheless I have never took that which I could not Give without first being in emminent danger. but you Bet I have always tried to protect my life and person when imposed on.
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.
WILLIAM F. CODY The famous Wild West showman pens a hopeful letter to his friend, stating "New England was never big for me. But wait till we start west. I predict a big season." The letter was written during the downfall of Cody's show empire due to outside expenses draining the immense profits from his show Autograph letter signed: "Col.", 1 page, 8½x11 framed to an overall size of 25½x18½. Buffalo Bill's Wild West combined with Pawnee Bill's Great Far East. May 29, 1911. Portsmouth, [New Hampshire]. In full: "Dear Mayor Glad Light, Your letter which found me is fine health. We had two bad towns last week. Fitchburg & Newburyport. No one ever done business in either. The week hurt us at least $2000 in Lowell-sent your bank 5100 today to take up one of my notes. Been getting good deposits from the mines. Been getting in shape [illegible] or any one. I believe I'll walk a sale of the [illegible]. Note if good are doing. [illegible]. While I telegraph you for now we are all OK here-now. And barring accident we will be OK. New England was never big for me. But wait till we start west. I predict a big season.Explorers & Western Americana | Programs
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REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BYRD - PROGRAM SIGNED CIRCA 1926 - HFSID 286522ADMIRAL RICHARD BYRD Signed program of a Carnegie Hall event honoring him for over-flying the North Pole Program signed: "R E Byrd", 5x6½, 6 pages. New York's Testimonial to Richard E. Byrd, Carnegie Hall, June 25, 1926. Signed on front cover, below a printed photo of him in flight suit.Sale Price $270.00
$300.00
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REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BYRD - PROGRAM SIGNED CIRCA 1928 - HFSID 156629RICHARD E. BYRD. Program signed: "RE Byrd" on front cover, 4p, 5x6½. Old Chester, Pennsylvania, 1928 June 20. Program for the Sixty-sixth Annual Commencement of the Pennsylvania Military College. Byrd received an Honorary Doctor of Aeronautical Science Degree at the ceremonies.
Sale Price $270.00
$300.00
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BEN JOHNSON - PROGRAM PAGE SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: ROYAL DANO, CATRINE CASH, JAMES CASH - HFSID 321742BEN JOHNSON, ROYAL DANO, and JAMES AND CATRINE CASH A program page for the Western Film Festival, signed by Ben Johnson, Royal Dano, James Cash, and Catrine Cash by the respective images Program signed: "Ben Johnson", "James/Cash", "Catrine/Cash", "To John with Best Wishes/For the Future/Royal Dano", 8½x11.
Sale Price $252.00
$280.00
