Featured in this lot is this original D.F. Barry silver gelatin photo of Running Antelope, Orator of the Sioux tribe, originally taken circa 1880-90s, from the ex-collection of the C.M. Russell Museum and John Kleinschmidt. David Francis Barry (1854-1934) was one of the most noted photographers of the American Indian and U.S. Army participants in the Sioux War of 1876 and is attributed with some of the most recognizable surviving images from this period in the history of the American West. Barry first came to the west in the 1870’s to apprentice under photographer O.S. Goff, who worked as the photographer at Fort Abraham Lincoln. It was from this post the Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led his Seventh U.S. Cavalry division in May 1876 to the battle of the Little Bighorn in southwestern Montana. This is considered one of the largest collection of Barry photographs from one historic Montana family offered for public sale. Running Antelope was a prominent Lakota Sioux leader, often considered one of the greatest orators of the Sioux Nation, known for his powerful speeches at treaty councils and his role in negotiating with the US government, particularly during the period of reservation life following the signing of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868; he was a key figure among the Hunkpapa tribe, sometimes acting as an advisor to Sitting Bull, though their relationship was complex due to Running Antelope's more conciliatory approach towards the white settlers. Running Antelope was chief on the last great Buffalo Hunt, Sept– Oct. 1883. He died about 1894 and is buried at Little Eagle, on the Standing Rock Reservation. The original photo shows Running Antelope posing for a front facing portrait as he has a stoic look on his face. Written in the top left corner it reads, "Running Antelope Sioux Orator". Included with the photo are two letters of correspondence, one from Mr. Kleinschmidt to D.F. Barry explaining he will be sending some photos back to return, talking about another photographer, and explaining why he missed the funeral D.F. Barry is talking about in the first letter, and one from D.F. Barry to Mr. Kleinschmidt explaining more pictures for sale, asking about a funeral and talking about the Highway Commission. Both are set in a plastic sleeve to preserve their condition. It is framed in a wood frame and set behind glass to preserve its condition. It shows good condition overall with wear present to the frame but no major signs of wear or damage is noted. The visible photo measures 12" L x 9 1/8" W, while the entire piece measures 13 1/2" L x 10 5/8" W x 3/4" D. It weighs 14 ounces. Provenance: From the John Kleinschmidt collection which was on loan to the C.M. Russell Museum from 1987 to 1993 and included in the "The Cowboy West: 100 Years of Photography 1992-1993 exhibit.