Oakley, Annie. (1860-1926) American Sharpshooter, part of "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show". Inscribed Visiting Card Signed Twice. 3¼ x 2¼", on cream card stock. Signed "Annie Oakley / Feb". 18" 1918" on the front, with the legend "Shot by Annie Oakley February 18- 1918" also written by Annie Oakley on the verso. The card bears a bullet hole in the upper right-hand corner, put there by Oakley as a souvenir of her sharpshooting skills while her husband held up the card.
This wonderful card has an immensely rich history, preserved in part by a letter from the card's original owner describing a visit to the home of the famous sharpshooter and the trick shot which left a bullet hole in the corner. This letter (split at the folds) which is also included, reads as follows:
"Feb. 23 1918 Dear Hartly: I have been down at Pinehurst and there met 'Annie Oakley' and her husband. You remember her as the famous shot. Her husband held the card and she shot a hole in the corner and she signed it. Put it with your autograph collection. C.R.R." In an ironic postscript, the author of the letter adds, "The Kaiser once offered to hold a cigarette and let her shoot the ashes off. She says she would like that chance now." Mounting traces on verso, not affecting signature.
Estimated Value $4,000-6,000.
Acquired from The Scriptorium, 3/77.
