Estimated Price:

$16,000 - $18,000

Realized Price:

$18,800

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By Frank F. Currier, Omaha, Nebraska. An exceptionally rare 8 x 10 in. albumen photograph taken in Omaha in May, 1875. Standing from left to right are interpreters Louis Bordeaux, William Billy Garnett, and Julius Meyer (1839-1909). Seated are Sitting Bull (Miniconjou), Swift Bear (Arapahoe), Spotted Tail (Brule), and Red Cloud (Oglala). Identified in ink on the print.

This image was taken while the delegation was en route to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Grant to talk about the Black Hills. Julius Meyer was their host in Omaha, and took them to Currier's studio where the delegation demanded payment to be photographed.

Meyer was born in Bromberg, Prussia, March 30, 1839 and emigrated to Nebraska, in 1867. It is said he was captured by Sioux during a buffalo hunt and lived with them for several years. Speaking six Indian languages, Meyer was known by the Indians as "Curley-Headed White Chief with One Tongue" because of his honesty; he served as an Indian interpreter to Congress and as an Indian agent. In addition, Meyer operated a Curio shop on Farnham Street known as The Indian Wigwam and where he advertised himself as Julius Meyer, "Box-ka-re-she-hash-ta-ka" Indian Trader, Indian Interpreter and Dealer in Indian Curiosties.

A rare image. A variant of this plate is known showing Meyers dressed in a Chinese silk jacket standing next to Red Cloud, with the other three chiefs seated.