Original Deputy signed Star Printery 1908 U S Marshals Fort Smith Reunion photo For Sale

Wonderfully rare signed original Star Printery panoramic photo print from the 1908 Indian Territory U S Marshals reunion held it Fort Smith, Arkansas.The photo is taken in front of the U S Federal Criminal Court and jail that served the territory and was presided over by the Hon. Isaac C Parker (The Hanging Judge) who presided from 1875 - 1896. Over 200 U S Marshal deputies served the territory with 65 being killed in the line of duty as they served the 74,000 sq mile territory by wagon, horseback, or on foot.Years of wear and moisture have taken a toll on the photograph, yet no imagery or any printed captions are restricted from full view and identification. Condition aside, what makes this piece special is it was released by the Star Printery of Muskogee, OK the copyright holder and presumed original owner of the true photo that was placed with, and still held by, the State Historical Society of Oklahoma.Naturally the equal or greater historic significance is the signature and personal notation made by U S Marshal deputy Charles B. Rhodes as he inscribed one of his copies of this photo print to a Mr. J E Chandler a merchant in Coweta, OK and dated it 4-28-41.Deputy Rhodes also marked both his name and photograph with a small X. He would go on to be one of the best known members of the surviving Marshal force and a number of his memorabilia holdings were dedicated to the Oklahoma Historical Society and currently listed as such. C B Rhodes issued at least a few other personally signed copies of this original photo print to close friends but it is unclear how many, or how many held the (all copyrights Reserved) designation and included the lower left margin print stating The Star Printery, Muskogee 6329. I believe the 6329 may be a reference to what actual publication number this was from the printery house. Is is great historic capture that all attendees were identified and logged in order from left to right with the kneeling members in front of the wagon listed before the seated members.All in all a great historical piece of U S Marshal American West and Oklahoma Indian Territory memorabilia. In addition to the event itself and actual marshal Rhodes signature, Deputy Cal Whitson #14 is credited as the true life basis for John Wayne\'s Rooster Cogburn character in the movie True Grit and African-American Deputy Bob Fortune #1 who, although not as noted as another African-American Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves, went on to become a successful attorney and dedicated his life to petitioning for fair voting rights.As with all my listings, I include free shipping, a worthy charity donation, and use the \"Best Offer\" format for all fair buyer considerations.