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RARE ORIGINAL 1905 NATIONAL ANTI-HORSE THIEF ASSOCIATION CHARTER
INDIAN TERRITORY DIVISION – ORDER NO. 188
Offered here is an exceptional original territorial-era charter of the National Anti-Horse Thief Association (A.H.T.A.), issued August 24, 1905, by the Indian Territory Division.
This is a large and visually impressive document measuring approximately 13-3/4\" x 15-1/2\", featuring the large decorative A.H.T.A. lettering, horseshoe emblem, handwritten entries and signatures, embossed seal and applied seal.
The charter identifies:
National Anti-Horse Thief Association
Indian Territory Division
Order No. 188
Of particular historical interest, the document states that this charter was issued “in lieu of Charter No. 87 given by Kansas.”
The charter also identifies Indian Territory and the Cherokee Nation in its location information.
This document dates to 1905, two years before Oklahoma statehood in 1907, placing it firmly in the Indian Territory period.
The Anti-Horse Thief Association was a large organized crime-prevention and property-protection association operating throughout several states and territories. Despite its colorful name, the organization was not simply a vigilante group devoted to pursuing horse thieves. Members cooperated to identify thieves, recover stolen property and assist in bringing offenders into the legal system.
By 1906, historical accounts reported more than 30,000 members nationally. The organization maintained a separate Indian Territory Division, which encompassed Indian Territory and Texas.
CONDITION
This is an original approximately 121-year-old paper document and shows appropriate age and use.
The charter has original fold lines, toning, staining, creasing and other age-related wear. Some of the old fold lines have weakened with age. When the document is held up to a strong light, a few very small separations/openings can be seen along portions of the folds and at fold intersections. These are generally not noticeable during normal viewing. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.
The printing remains remarkably strong and legible, including the prominent A.H.T.A. design. Handwritten information and signatures remain visible, and the original seals are present.
The charter was previously framed. It was removed from the frame after the glass became cracked.
The document is currently protected between very thin clear plastic sheets that are sealed around the outside perimeter. The plastic has not been cut open and the charter has not been removed, as we believe leaving this fragile historic document undisturbed is the safest course. A separate white backing sheet is also present behind the charter.
No attempt has been made to clean, repair, flatten or otherwise restore the document.
RARITY / HISTORICAL INTEREST
Original A.H.T.A. material survives in various forms, including badges, ribbons, publications and membership-related material. Large original charters are considerably less commonly encountered.
This example combines several particularly desirable historical features:
• Dated 1905
• Pre-Oklahoma statehood
• Indian Territory Division
• Cherokee Nation reference
• Order No. 188
• Reference to previous Kansas Charter No. 87
• Original handwritten entries and signatures
• Embossed and applied seals
• Large 13-3/4\" x 15-1/2\" display size
An unusual piece of Indian Territory, Oklahoma, Old West, fraternal, law-enforcement and crime-prevention history.
SHIPPING
Because of its age and weakened original fold lines, this document will NOT be folded or rolled for shipment.
It will be shipped flat in its existing protective enclosure, securely sandwiched between sturdy rigid material and carefully packaged to minimize bending and movement during transit.
Please review the photographs closely, as they are an important part of the description and show the actual document you will receive.
Please see Photos
Photos are considered part of the condition/description. Photos are of the actual item.
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