3644 INTERESTING INSCRIBED LIBBIE CUSTER & MAGGIE

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 400.00 USD
Estimated at 800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
CUSTER CALHOUN CABINET CARD WITH EXECUTIVE MANSION NOTE FROM FIRST LADY MRS. BENJAMIN HARRISON FROM LIBBIE CUSTER'S PERSONAL EFFECTS. Margaret "Maggie" Custer Calhoun (1852-1910) and Libbie Custer (1844-1933) were lifelong friends both losing their husbands at the battle of Little Big Horn. They are seen together in "Custer Clan" photographs at Fort Abraham Lincoln after Maggie married Lieutenant James Calhoun. This is the only photograph we are aware of just Libby and Maggie in soulful contemplation. On verso is pasted note: "Madam, I am returning the picture that my daughter got in Lincoln, I found in my trunk that has been around the world and San Francisco, and then New York via the Suez Canal. I think maybe you would like to have it. Very Respectfully Thomas T…" who returned this image to Libbie in 1917. The significance of the inscription is interesting but not sure when or where this photo was taken, but based on ages appears close to the 1870s. In addition is envelope postmarked March 22, 1889 with a note dated on Executive Mansion stationery addressed to Mrs. Gen Custer thanking Mrs. Custer for a gift she gave to the first lady. CONDITION: image is dark, soiled, with chip in albumen at lower left corner. Letter is fine, envelope has missing panel on verso. PROVENANCE: Spink Smythe May 2013; Martin Lane Historic & Western Americana Lifetime Collection. (02-21890/JS). $800-1,200.