1880s NATIVE AMERICAN APACHE INDIAN SCOUT CHIEF BYLAS CABINET CARD PHOTO

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

Exceptionally rare and important, original 1880's Albumen Cabinet Card Photograph of Native American, White Mountain Apache Chief Bylas (aka Bailish) as U.S. Army Indian Scout Sergeant and Apache Spiritual Leader.This wonderful and exceptionally rare, period, Card Mount, Albumen Photograph measures approx. 4" by 6 1/4" and is mounted on its original Card Mount (overall size is 4 1/4" by 6 1/2"). The subject is partially identified with a later pencil inscription on the reverse that reads "One of my father's Apache Scouts (?) . Pershing used them in Mexico years later as trackers". The Image is a rare but well documented portrait of the White Mountain Apache Chief Bylas who served under General Crook during the search for Geronimo. Although the Photograph is mounted over the photographer's credits the make of the photographer - Andrew Miller of Globe, Arizona Territory - is still readable.The Image features the Apache Scout seated on a pile of logs in the photographer's studio. He wears a wide brimmed hat and holds a wonderful, Winchester repeating carbine and has some type of military medal pinned to his neckerchief.Provenance: From the personal collection of West Point Graduate and United States 10th and 6th Cavalry Officer John Nelson Glass. John Nelson Glass graduated from West Point in 1878, after which he served with the 10th Cavalry of Buffalo Soldiers and then the Sixth Cavalry in the Arizona and New Mexico Territories during the Indian Wars. Surviving letters put him in Fort Apache in 1884. According to the West Point reunion notes of June 9, 1893, "Except at various times when he was in command of Indian scouts in the field, he was nearly always on duty with his troop, often commanding it...By his death the Army has lost an accomplished officer and good soldier, brave, faithful, and enduring in the performance of his duties." He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.We have been trying to determine is John Nelson Glass was an African American and if he was the same black man named "John Glass" who served as Chief of the Apache Scouts at Fort Apache in the mid 1880's. Any help unraveling this mystery would be greatly appreciated!!We found many mentions of Chief Bylas (aka Bailish) chief of the Eastern White Mountain band, for whom the present settlement of Bylas on the San Carlos Reservation is named, this Apache settlement is divided into two communities, one of the White Mountain, the other of San Carlos and Southern Tonto Apache. He had a number of encounters with Geronimo during Crooks campaign. Various tales tell of the death of Bylas' father (also named Bylas) when he and his family were ambushed by either Vitorio or Geronimo (depending on the source of the story).This rare and wonderful, Native American Apache Indian, Cabinet Card Photograph is in excellent condition. The Photograph exhibits sharp focus, strong contrast and rich tonality. The Image itself is clean and crisp while the card mount has some light edge wear.An exceptionally rare and fascinating, 1880's Cabinet Card Photo of Native American, White Mountain Apache Chief, U.S. Army Indian Scout Sergeant Bylas and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!Be sure to check out this seller's other auctions for a number of Native American Apache Indian Cabinet Card Photographs which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!Overseasshippping is extra and cost will be quoted at bidders request. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.Please check out other early and interesting items offered by this seller on ebay. Important Notes about Shipping Charges:The amount quoted for Shipping & Handling is calculated by eBay and is equal to the EXACT amount charged by the Post Office plus a $1.00 "packing fee" - the $1.00 fee is our only compensati... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.