Custer related possessions

[chuckwagon]

I'm a new member and not sure if this has been asked before--I think it would be informative. What Custer related items owned by members do they most prize?

I was fortunate a few years ago to be able to purchase an original cabinet card-sized Custer photograph taken in New York City by William R. Howell in April 1876 (according to Katz's Custer in Photographs). They'll have to rip it from my dead fingers.

[Diane Merkel]

"They'll have to rip it from my dead fingers." FUNNY!

Welcome, Chuckwagon! That is an interesting question. At this year's conference, someone suggested that I publish photos of members' "Custer Stuff" in the LBHA Newsletter. I think it would be fun to see people's prized possessions, but I'm not sure how many members would want to participate for security reasons. (Perhaps I'm just paranoid. ;D)

My favorite item was acquired at auction about ten years ago. It is a silk lavendar floral-print dressing gown owned by Libbie. A few years later, Benteen's granddaughter (then about 90 years old) stayed with us and tried on the dressing gown. It fit her perfectly, so Libbie was a very tiny woman when she owned it. We have a photo of that somewhere, and we always have wanted to publish it with the caption, "Custer and Benteen Together Again!" I'll try to find the photo and post it.

[Lawtonka]

Security is a real issue. It could still be done though by not mentioning the names of the contributors and just maybe start a page of "Custer Memorabilia". Just showing the item and a descritpion.....Like an online museum.

That way people can show off their stuff and not have to worry about compromising their security.


This has been done a lot in books such as "relic books". It is very interesting and educational. It will probably be the only way many people will ever get a chance to see any of these items stored away.

[thomas]

Hello to everyone!! I'm a new member and share a great interest in the Indian wars and all the various military campaigns. Speaking of Custer related possessions...There is a beautiful
original oil by artist Michael Schreck that is on ebay. The painting depicts W.W.Cooke's last
message to Benteen. Go to "Western Oil painting/american". Very intresting. Looking forward to visiting with everyone. One thing...I'm not too sure Libby would approve of a Benteen wearing one of her gowns.

[George Armstrong Custer]

Hi there Thomas, I found it eventually! As you say, not a bad painting. But at a buy-it-now price of $10,500 for this 1993 painting I'd say it was a tad overpriced! Here's the picture to save others the search:



Ciao,
GAC

[crzhrs]

Nice painting . . . but a bit over-priced. Where are the Keno Brothers?

[Jim]

That painting also appears on the front cover of the Research Review (Vol. 15, No.2) of the 2001 Summer issue!----WHICH, I'm sure Diane still has for sale!

[Diane Merkel]

Thanks for the plug, Jim. I only have about 500 left!

I wish I were kidding, but I'm not. For some reason, we ended up with almost 600 extra copies of that issue.