Lot 238

Framed Haynes "Medicine Man" 1883

Estimate: $850 - $1,350

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
This is an outstanding and rare original albumen photograph of Big Medicine Man Crow circa 1883 by F.J. Haynes of Fargo, Dakota Territory. The albumen photograph cabinet card is a scarcely seen authentic example which is marked on the back of the antique wood frame with a tag marked, “’Big Medicine Man’ / Crow 1883 / Albuman photo by F.J. Haynes / Embossed signature on / front + back.” Big Medicine Man photographs are exceedingly rare with another later 1885 example selling at Cowans 2010 sale for $650 and this being an earlier and better-quality portrait example. Big Medicine Man was a Crow brave who later served as Chief of Police at Crow Agency, Montana. This example shows Big Medicine Man with feather fan, heavy arm cuffs, beaded breastplate with large shell gorget and more. The visible photography area measures 6.25” by 4 1/8” and is marked “Haynes” “Cabinet Portraits”. The only other examples shown on the market of this rare portrait example is in the Montana Historical Society Photo Archives Catalog: H-950, 1494 and 2871 along with it being preserved in the North Dakota State University Libraries NDSU, Fargo item 2031.2.4. Frame measures 15 3/8” by 13.5”.