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Lot 203
A rare period photograph of
Two Guns White Calf, who claims he was one of the composite for the Buffalo
nickel. This in an interesting lot, the focus is a 10 X 15 photograph of
Two Guns White Calf, who is generally acknowledged by native American tribes as
one of the three Native Americans used to portray the Indian on the Buffalo
nickel. The portrait was taken by the consignors Great Uncle, Leo Mingus, who
had a photography studio in Battle Creek Michigan. The time frame of the
photograph is 1912-1920.
Breen notes that the three Native Americans used
were Iron Tail, Two Moons and John Big Tree. Correspondence with Terry Hammond
of the Treasury department leaves the issue unresolved, after the first two
Native American's were identified, no one could remember the name of the third.
Perhaps it was Two Guns White Calf.
Included are letters and correspondence
documenting the photograph and historical connections. Two Guns White Calf
claimed for many years it was he who was on the nickel, and normally charged
tourists money to take his picture. Those who didn't cooperate often ended up
with a photograph of him covered by his blanket! At a minimum an interesting
piece of Americana. Lot contains a framed photograph and correspondence.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
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