CROSS, W.R. (1839-1907), photographer. CDV of Brule Lakota Sioux Chief Hollow Horn Bear with an unidentified 5th US Cavalry second lieutenant. Niobrara, NE: [ca 1880].

CDV on cardstock mount. Verso bears pictorial imprint for W.R. Cross. Period manuscript notation on verso, which is difficult to discern, but appears to reference "Spotted Elk," who is not depicted in the photograph.

The lieutenant wears a kepi with regimental insignia, shoulder straps, and grasps his saber. The chief wears a capote, a bone hairpipe breastplate, wool leggings, and moccasins.

Cross (1839-1907), originally from Vermont, had moved west and initially operated a traveling tent studio in northeastern Nebraska. He settled in Niobrara and opened a studio on 4 July 1878, where he would remain for the next twelve years though he still traveled intermittently. Notably, he opened another studio at Fort Niobrara around 1886 and worked with his apprentice John A. Anderson at Fort Meade in 1888. Fort Niobrara was garrisoned by the 5th Cavalry, alongside the 9th Infantry and the 9th Cavalry, throughout the 1880s.

An example of this photograph was published as the cover image in Military Images Vol. XIX, No. 4. (1998).

The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Toning, light spotting, and wear to edges and corners, slight loss to top left corner of print.

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

CROSS, W.R. (1839-1907), photographer. CDV of Brule Lakota Sioux Chief Hollow Horn Bear with an unidentified 5th US Cavalry second lieutenant. Niobrara, NE: [ca 1880].

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