Pair of military uniform buttons attributed to Indian Scout Mitch Bouyer, an interpreter and guide affiliated with George A. Custer's 7th U.S. Cavalry who was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Includes a coat button (7/8˝) and cuff button (5.8˝), both marked "U.S. Indian Service," with American eagle device at center and "Waterbury Button Co." maker's marks on the reverse. Displayed on a piece of calfskin and housed in a small Riker box with typed attribution caption: "These Indian Service buttons were taken from the jacket of Mitch Boyer [sic] an Indian agent who was killed in the Battle of the Big Horn. He was a Custer scout. Cat. #OOD-416." In fine condition, with heavy toning and small losses to the caption, which has been laminated with adhesive tape.
Mitch Bouyer (c. 1837–1876) was an interpreter and guide of French-Canadian and Sioux lineage who served as chief scout for Lt. Col. George A. Custer’s 7th Cavalry during the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn. Bouyer and another scout reportedly saw the large Indian encampment and relayed the intelligence to Custer who chose to ignore it. Assigned to ride with Custer’s main column, Bouyer charged fearlessly into battle—despite knowing that he approached certain death—and was last seen near Medicine Tail Coulee.
Provenance: Lot 44161, Legends of the Wild West Signature Auction, Heritage Auctions, June 10, 2012.
The Collection of Dr. Joseph Matheu.
