Presented in this lot is a Rare Original Signed Charles Schatzlein Watercolour on Paper, ca. 1909. Schatzlein is often considered legendary Western artist Charles Marion Russell’s first serious art dealer, that is, the first individual with a business that made the selling of Russell art an ongoing activity. He was also a close friend of Russell's. Schatzlein came to Montana with his parents, eventually learning the trades of painting and house decorating. In 1881 he opened a paper-hanging shop that expanded into the Schatzlein Paint Company in partnership with then Governor Rickards, selling paint, wallpaper, glass, custom framing, artists’ supplies, and pictures. Schatzlein (1857-1911 ) was an ardent amateur artist himself, and he recognized in Russell’s work a special gift. Consequently, he contented himself with painting replicas of Russells and signing them as such. But more than that, his paint store by 1897 was a venue for Russell art. William Bleasdell Cameron, traveling on assignment for Western Field and Stream, a new sportsman’s magazine published out of St. Paul, was captivated that May when he saw some Russells on display at a Butte hotel. When he inquired after the artist, he was immediately directed to Schatzlein’s store. In 1904, Schatzlein, Russell and Edgar Paxson collaborated on a mural that decorated Schatzlein's dining room. Nancy Russell wrote for Charlie in 1902 that “Mr. Schaztlein has done more to raise the prices of my pictures than any friend I have.” Schatzlein accompanied Russell on many painting excursions and often painted together with him in studios and outdoors.Schatzlein and Russell collaborated on numerous occasions on the same painting. The watercolour features a Native American male wrapped in a trade blanket. Reverse has attached photocopy of a letter Russell sent to Schatzlein. Mounted in a gold gilt designed wood frame. Watercolour is in very nice preserved condition, no marring noted. Frame exhibits slight scuffing on edges. Visible art measures 7.5"W x 9.5"L, frame is 11.25"W x 13.25"L x .75"D, weight is 1lb, 12oz.