Extremely scarce O. B. Buell (1844 – 1910) cabinet card photograph of Crowfoot, Chief of Blackfoot Tribe, 1885, on a mount printed "Compliments of Prof. Buell." Overall – 8" x 5". One of only two examples of this image are known to have been offered for sale at auction in the last 15 years; the other, a cabinet card from the John Painter collection, sold at Cowan''s in 2015.

Crowfoot (c. 1830-1890) was a noted warrior who had taken part in 19 battles before the age of 20 but seldom went to war once he reached manhood. He became involved with raising horses, and his leadership in tribal matters resulted in him being made chief of his tribe in 1870. He eventually made peace with his Cree neighbors and welcomed the Northwest Mounted Police to Blackfoot Territory.

Professor Oliver or Otto B. Buell was born in Henry County, Illinois in 1844. He was known for his photographs of the Riel Rebellion and trial, and views of the Canadian landscape taken during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 1880s. He appears to have used both first names or at some point changed his first name from Otto to Oliver.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern collection.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Some very faint spotting affecting background and subject''s jaw line, visible in raking light. Some wear to mount at upper left corner and lower right edge. Later collection label adhered to reverse.