Description:

Annie Oakley 1909 ALS to Friend, Describing Life on the Road

A letter on stationery from the New Briggs Hotel from sharpshooter Annie Oakley (1860-1926) to a friend, one Mrs. George McCarty of New Jersey. ALS, 2p, measuring 6" x 9.25", dated January 13, 1909, Wilson, North Carolina. Within, Oakley looks forward to a visit from the recipient, and sheds light on her life as a traveling performer, specifically after a show in Washington. Signed "Annie Oakley" at conclusion, the letter features an additional inscription surrounded by x's at the top right corner of page 2: "For Verginia". Accompanied by its original hand-addressed envelope featuring 2 cent stamp. Light staining present, with flattened folds and minor creasing throughout. Else, near fine. Both letter and envelope are handsomely matted and displayed, flanked by a portrait of Oakley at right and two engraved plaques on either side. Framed to the overall size of 24.5" x 37".

In full:
"I know I am perfectly terrible for neglecting to write and thank you for the beautiful cup & pretty photo of dear little Verginia [sic]. I surely can appreciate them more than I can tell you. I do hope to see you at Pinehurst. Then we can eat those fine grape fruit for our breakfast. And just have a good old fashioned visit. Then you can explain why Mr. McCarty always wins when his little Wife is with him. I gave my first shoot yesterday. Had a fine day & about 1500 people, best in Washington. Pooring [sic] rain now & it is 11:30 AM. Hope it will clear up. Thanking you again. And with love and every good wish, I am most sincerely."

The letter's recipient was the wife of George S. McCarty (1868-1945), who became the second president of the American Trapshooters Association.

The biographical plaque included at right reads: "Dead-eye marksman Annie Oakley wrote this letter to a friend while on tour in North Carolina. She toured with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show for 17 years before she was nearly killed in a train wreck in 1901. Following her recovery, she began performing in her own show, traveling with her husband Frank Butler, who acted as Oakley's manager and master of ceremonies. Born Phoebe Anne Oakley Mozee, Annie Oakley began shooting game as a child to support her family. At age 15, she won a marksmanship competition, defeating Butler, among others. They toured with circuses for nearly a decade before joining the Buffalo Bill show. Among Oakley's numerous tricks was shooting a hole in a playing card and giving it away as a souvenir. Thereafter, complimentary tickets punched with a hole became known as "Annie Oakley's".

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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