June 20, 2026 Old West & Native American Art Auction in Santa Fe, NM
Lot #1141:
DESIREABLE BUFFALO BILL / PAWNEE BILL "TWO BILLS" WILD WEST SHOW AUTOGRAPHED LETTERS DISPLAY
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/20/2026
William F. Cody and Pawnee Bill (Gordon William Lillie) were the two most famous and influential central characters when the Wild West Shows traveled the world prior to the First World War. This three-part single framed display was done in museum quality and double matted. There is a hand-written letter sent by Cody on October 18, 1916. The Jim Miller 101 Ranch Buffalo Bill letter head features Cody surrounded by Cavalry and American Indians, artwork lithograph done in full color and measuring 4 x 7 1/2". The 1916 season was the only full year association between Buffalo Bill and the Miller 101 Ranch show. This letter is written, most likely to an attorney, dealing with Cody's quest for details about his estate. He states that all of his ownings are in Mrs. Cody's name, questioning whether she would be held libel for any of his debts. In particular, he mentions the now famous Irma Hotel in Cody Wyoming inquiring about financing or a mortgage on that property. This letter was written less than three months before his death on January 10,1917 as if he could see his impending demise. The next is a typed letter written on Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill Wild West Show letter head and signed by G. W. Lillie (Pawnee Bill) It is addressed to a friend regarding the show schedule for the upcoming 1911 season with a special invitation to attend the show at Madison Square Garden on April 26 where they would present the "swellest Wild West and Far East show that has ever been seen in this country". This show was referred to as the "Two Bill's Wild West Show" as they had joined acts in 1908. Lastly, there is a souvenir 8x10 sepia tone photograph of the two Bills profiles as published by D. F. Berry. These two hand signed letters are of vast importance due to the contents of each man's letters, especially for the Cody letter dealing with the famous Irma hotel and his impending estate. The entire framed display piece is simply outstanding and historically significant.
Item Dimensions: 36 - 1/2" x 20 - 1/2".