Erwin E. Smith Inscribed Photograph Of Harry Patten, Three Block Cowboy, New Mexico

SMITH, ERWIN E. [PHOTOGRAPHER]

Publication: Photograph by Erwin E Smith, 1938, Bonham, Texas

Black & white 12 3/4" x 19" photograph mounted on paper board for a total size of 13" x 19 3/4." The photograph depicts Harry Patten sitting before a burning fireplace in his stocking feet and playing his fiddle. His cowboy boots are next to the fireplace. The photograph is protected with a glass cover and framed in a frame selected by Robert G. McCubbin, noted Western Americana collector and historian. The photograph is inscribed in ink on the board at the lower left portion: "Harry Patten, Three Block Cowboy, New Mexico / Photo copyright by Erwin E. Smith / Bonham, Texas." On the lower right portion of the board is an inked gift presentation inscription: "Presented to R. Beal Lea / Dec. 10, 1938 / By Geo. W. Saunders." In 1886 Saunders entered the livestock-commission business in a company registered as Smith, Oliver, and Saunders. Two years later he started his own firm, and by 1910 incorporated the George W. Saunders Livestock Commission Company with offices in San Antonio, Fort Worth, Kansas City, and St. Louis. His company grossed $5 million each year. Among many other accomplishments he is recognized for having the foresight and initiative to be the driving force in having published The Trail Drivers of Texas in 1925, a book that has been the principal source book on cattleman and cattle drives. This photograph is mounted and framed and is in very good condition.

Inventory Number: 52838