148

Letter to Wallace Coburn is recorded in the C. M. Russell Catalogue Raisonné as reference number CR.ILU.17

According to Frederic G. Renner, “Wallace David Coburn is another of Charlie Russell’s friends who became associated with the arts. Coburn grew up in the Chestnut Valley near White Sulphur Springs and later was a partner with his father in the Coburn Cattle Company, a 25,000 head outfit that ranged over much of Central Montana. Charlie Russell wrangled horses for his outfit in 1890 and their Circle C, CK, Wineglass, Bar L and Rafter T brands appear in many of his paintings. In 1899, Coburn published a little book of western verse, Rhymes From a Round-Up Camp which was illustrated by Russell. Since Russell was already known as ‘The Cowboy Artist,’ Coburn’s book led to his appellation as ‘The Cowboy Poet.’ Like many another old-time cowboys, Coburn later went to Hollywood where he appeared in numerous movies with Bill Hart, Hoot Gibson, and Tom Mix. Eventually he formed his own firm, The Great Western Film Company”

PROVENANCE:
Wallace David Coburn, Hollywood, California
Mrs. Wallace D. Coburn, Santa Barbara, California
Frederic G. Renner, Washington, D.C.
Private Collection, Wyoming, 1980

LITERATURE:
Frederic G. Renner, Paper Talk (Fort Worth, Texas: Amon Carter Museum of Western Art, 1962), pages 62-3, illustrated
Brian W. Dippie, Charles M. Russell, Word Painter: Letters 1887-1926 (Fort Worth, Texas: Amon Carter Museum, 1993), pages 213-14, illustrated

Condition Report2 vertical creases top to bottom on each page, 1st page has 1/2 inch horizontal tear along left edge, 2nd page small tear upper left.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.