This beautiful lithographed display depicts, and has been signed by, the man whose accomplishments and reputation defined the Wild West for several generations of Americans. This very unusual and extremely visual 9-3/4"'tall portrait of "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), the frontiersman, Pony Express rider, Army scout and legendary Wild West showman, offers exceptional detail in its gently hued portrayal. The likeness is securely contained in a substantial studio mounting measuring 10-3/4" x 13-3/4". The assembly has been carefully signed and dated in Cody's hand at the lower edge, on a bottom portion which has been skillfully reattached to restore its original condition. The flowing black fountain pen inscription, "W.F. Cody - "Buffalo Bill" - Feb. 12 1908, " grades "8-9". By the time this memento was signed, Cody was concluding the storied portion of his career that had illuminated the Western frontier for countless American and European enthusiasts. Cody's Wild West Show, which at various times had showcased the presences of Annie Oakley, Chief Sitting Bull and Buck Taylor, was an outdoor extravaganza of entertainment and history that mesmerized audiences for nearly three decades. Cody relinquished control of the show to its new owner, Pawnee Bill, in 1908, and participated in a farewell tour in 1910. This remarkable depiction of the great plainsman displays as minimally Excellent to Mint. (A surface crack at the left side does not approach Cody's image, nor does it impact presentation quality.) The thick cardboard mounting is also Excellent to Mint. This spellbinding display piece, with the very scarce signature of its subject, visually interprets the charisma and flair for which "Buffalo Bill" is remembered, and is a truly spectacular Western artifact. LOA from Beckett Authentic.