J.C. GRABILL PHOTOGRAPH OF A BLACK HILLS, DAKOTA TERRITORY "TREASURE COACH,"

[Shotgun Steve]

boudoir-style image, 7.75 x 4.5" on larger mount with Grabill's Sturgis, Dakota Territory imprint. With inked manuscript notations on verso identifying the men on the stage seat as well as those visible inside who brandish shotguns. "Messengers with sawed off shotguns. Hired by the Home Stake to accompany each shipment of gold bullion for safety from road agents. A dangerous job. They were expected to defend it with their lives if necessary." A Wells Fargo and Co. strongbox is visible chained on top of the coach.

Provenance: The Mike Butler Collection of Western Photography.