Sitting Bull. (1834-1890) Sioux name, Tatanka Iyotake. Native American Statesman and Warrior. Sitting Bull was a leader in the Sioux war and led the defeat of Custer and his men at Little Big Horn. Toured with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Visiting Card Signed. Approximately 5 x 3", on an imprinted "Randall House" hotel card. Four years after defeating Custer at Little Big Horn and successfully evading the U.S. Army, Sitting Bull finally surrendered to U.S. troops at Fort Buford, in Montana. He was sent to Standing Rock Reservation, but when his reception there raised fears that he might inspire a fresh uprising, he was sent further down the Missouri River to Fort Randall, where he and his followers were held for nearly two years as prisoners of war. Despite its misleading text, which describes "Randall House" as a pleasant frontier Hotel, this was an imposing U.S. Army garrison in which the greatly feared Indian leader was kept prisoner. Sitting Bull used this as his "Calling Card" while he was incarcerated at Fort Randall. Boldly signed, "Sitting Bull" on the verso, the card is matted, framed and set within an impressive curio cabinet display. The display measures 27 x 25", weighs 27lbs and includes a sepia-toned photo and a small hand-colored sculpted bust of the Sioux warrior. Probably the finest of less than a dozen examples known, most of which are impounded in institutions.
Estimated Value $8,000-12,000.
While perusing in a rare book store in San Francisco, I saw a book by Nelson Appleton Miles, General in the Civil War. Upon thumbing through the book I found the card signed by Sitting Bull. It apparently was used as a bookmark! I, of course, purchased the book and it's bookmark!!! It is now among the cards I treasure most. -- Gerry Burg.
