Last of the Great Scouts by Helen Cody Wetmore Value Guide

This 1899 first edition biography offers an intimate look at Colonel William F. Cody, authored by his sister Helen Cody Wetmore. It is a highly collectible piece of Americana that chronicles Cody's transition from a Pony Express rider and Union soldier to the world-famous face of the Wild West shows.

What Is Last of the Great Scouts by Helen Cody Wetmore Worth?

The typical price range for Last of the Great Scouts by Helen Cody Wetmore is $100 - $150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for fraying at the spine or fading of the cover graphics.
• The presence and integrity of the original illustrations and any included maps or portraits.
• Provenance or historical inscriptions that link the specific copy to Buffalo Bill's Wild West show performers or family.
• The overall tightness of the binding and the absence of foxing or water damage on the 19th-century paper.

How to Identify Last of the Great Scouts by Helen Cody Wetmore?

• Verify the 1899 publication date on the title page or copyright page to ensure it is a true first edition.
• Look for the original cloth binding, which typically features decorative cover art related to the American West.
• Check for the Duluth Press Publishing Company imprint, which is characteristic of the earliest American printings.
• Inspect the interior for period-appropriate illustrations and frontispiece portraits of William F. Cody.

History of Last of the Great Scouts by Helen Cody Wetmore

This book tells the life story of the legendary Buffalo Bill, a figure synonymous with the American Wild West. William F. Cody's adventures as a rider for the Pony Express, a Union soldier, and an army scout, culminating in his famous Wild West shows, captivated audiences worldwide. His sister, Helen Cody Wetmore, wrote this biography, published shortly before the turn of the 20th century, offering a personal and insightful account of his remarkable life.