1908 BUFFALO BILLS WILD WEST SHOW GROUNDS PROGRAM INDIAN HEAD DIE CUT PROGRAM

    This rare and wonderful, onsite "Program" from Buffalo Bill’s Traveling Extravaganza measures approx. 7 3/4” by 9” and contains 32 pages plus the front and rear chromolithograph covers. The Program includes extensive text and illustrations relating to the show, its’ history, Buffalo Bill’s past as the Chief of the U. S. Army Scouts, the American West, Indian Fighting, Cowboys and many other aspects of the performers and the show.

    It is titled on the cover "Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” and is copyright 1907 by the publisher – The Courier Company of Buffalo, New York. In 1908 there were at least three versions of the “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” Show Program. The two more common versions were shaped like a typical Circus / Wild West Show Program. The exceptionally rare version offered here is shape / die cut. Over the past 45+ years we have owned a number of the more common Programs from the 1908 Season but have handled only a single example of this rare, Die Cut version (and that example was significantly damaged)!!

    The Program offered here was issued for and sold at performances of the Show at Reading, Pennsylvania on June 25, 1908.

     The front cover of the Program is chromolithographed and features conjoined, bust portraits of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Sioux Chief Iron Tail. The entire Program is die cut / shape cut to conform to the contours of Iron Tail’s face. The rear cover is also chromolithographed and features an image of a Cowboy performer riding a bucking bronco.

    There are numerous photographic and artistic images and text contained in the Program but there is no advertising, thus identifying this as a Show Grounds Souvenir Program and not an Advance Courier.

    This very rare and beautiful, 1908 Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show Grounds Program / Souvenir Booklet is printed on a rather delicate paper stock and bound in its original, chromolithographed, stiff paper wrappers which are in excellent condition. The colors are bright and vibrant, rich and warm and there is no soiling or staining. There is a small tear at the spine of the rear cover and a hint of wear along the spine edge of the front cover but otherwise the covers are exceptionally well preserved and display beautifully. The interior pages are also in excellent condition - complete and tight – clean and crisp and exceptionally well preserved.

    An exceptionally rare and wonderful, Shape Cut / Die cut 1908 Show Program / Souvenir Booklet from “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” and a fantastic addition to any collection!!