Beschreibung:

William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody business card signed ("W.F. Cody") and inscribed to Irving R. Bacon, n.d., ca 1906. Printed "W.F. Cody. / Wyoming / Judge Advocate General." with ink inscription: "Dear Sir / Permit me to introduce Irving R. Bacon / Our artist Irving wishes / to make studies of Indians / Any favors / will be appreciated / W.F. Cody." 3.325 x 2.125 in. Irving R. Bacon (1875-1962) was one of the many artists who contributed illustrations to W.F. Bayer and O.F. Keydel's history of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Deeds of Honor. Bacon's interpretation and composition of Cody's action which earned him the Medal in 1872 impressed the western showman and inspired him to commission a painted version from the artist in 1901. Bacon delivered the completed painting Buffalo Bill in Pursuit, or Two with One Shot in the spring of 1902 where Cody was in New York preparing for the 1902 season. This meeting was the start of a fruitful working relationship between the two men with Bacon helping to visually cement Cody's western self-presentation. The card here to an unknown recipient, possibly a doorman or security guard at the Wild West Show, is a letter of introduction for Bacon to allow him access "to make studies of Indians," an activity that would certainly have added to the verisimilitude of Bacon's sweeping paintings and illustrations of a semi-fictionalized western frontier. Condition: Minor even toning to card.