Chiricahua Apache (1829–1909) who attained the status of legend for his steadfast defense of Native American lands against the United States government. After decades of aggressive resistance, Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, on September 4, 1886. After years of imprisonment, followed by “military confinement,” Geronimo became a celebrity, appearing at such venues as the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis (where he sold autographs to curiosity seekers) and in Theodore Roosevelt’s 1905 inaugural parade, and dictating his autobiography. He died of pneumonia at Fort Sill, Oklahoma at the age of 79. A substantial lock of hair from Geronimo’s ponytail. The lock measures approximately 5.5 inches and length and consists of over 100 strands. This lock was cut off Geronimo shortly before he died at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1909 by Allen C. Boman of Anadarko, Oklahoma, and presented to George (Farmer) Lawton, a long time friend, for his collection in 1920.
The well-documented lock is accompanied by photocopied provenance dating all the way back to 1920. The primary piece of provenance is a copy of an August 19, 1920, newspaper article written by Lawton, quoting a letter from Boman, which states, in part: “On that same occasion I cut Geronimo’s hair, using a goodly amount of bacon grease in lieu of scented bear’s oil and had him looking ten years younger.” Also accompanied by a photocopied notarized letter from Brad Chill who states, “This is truly a piece of history. This lock was purchase [sic] 11 years ago out of an estate in MO. from a collector/stone dealer by the name of Tom Richardson, who has a great reputation for being a stone and relic dealer. The price I paid was $1000.” And finally, the lock is accompanied by a letter of provenance and certificate of authenticity from John Reznikoff, who examined the complete lock taken from Geronimo, a portion of which is offered here. His letter states, in part: “based on my analysis of the provenance and paperwork…I have determined to a great degree of professional certainty that the lock is authentic.” A much larger example than usually seen, with excellent documentation. RR Auction COA.
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