Buffalo Bill Wild West Programs for 1892, 1895, and 1898

Lot of 4, including Buffalo Bill Wild West program and insert for 1892, 1895 program, and 1898 program.

Buffalo Bill’s (Col. W.F. Cody) Wild West / Historical Scenes. Netherfield, England: Stafford & Co., 1892. 64pp, 7.25 x 9.375 in. Program from the Wild West Show's tour of England, which included a private performance for Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. Physiognomical study of Cody found on first page.

1892 program insert, Netherfield, England: Stafford & Co., 1892. 2pp, 7.5 x 10 in. Tipped-in page listing specific events for an upcoming Wild West Show, including a demonstration by a former Pony Express Post Rider, racing and feats of horsemanship, a reenactment of of a wagon train crossing the Great Plains, and equestrian performances by Cossacks, newly added in the 1892 season. The use of inserts allowed for changes to the lineup without having to print entirely new programs. Advertisement for London's Carbolic Smoke Ball Co. on verso.

Buffalo Bill's (Col. W.F. Cody) Wild West / And Congress of Rough Riders of the World / Historical Sketches & Programme. New York, NY: Fless & Ridge Priting Co., 1895. 64pp, 6.875 x 9 in. The 1895 season found Nate Salsbury, the show's Vice-President and Manager, unwell, and so Barnum and Bailey's James A. Bailey was brought in as a partner. Acts of note include a military musical drill, as well as a hurdle race "between Primitive Riders mounted on Western Broncho Ponies that never jumped a hurdle until three days before the opening of the present exhibition."

Buffalo Bill’s (Col. W.F. Cody) Wild West / And Congress of Rough Riders of the World / Historical Sketches & Programme. New York, NY: Fless & Ridge Printing Co., 1898. 64pp, 7.25 x 9.5 in. Same front as 1895 cover, with performers listed on inside pages, including Annie Oakley and Jonny Baker. Also with a US artillery drill, a reenactment of the Battle of Little Big Horn, “feats of daring equestrianism” performed by “a bevy of beautiful rancheras,” a staged Indian attack on the Deadwood Mail Coach, and color guard of Cuban veterans. These veterans, on leave of absence during the ongoing Spanish-American War, were included to draw attention to their struggle for independence against the Spanish.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.