When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
19th-Century Cabinet Card — Comanche Chief Quanah Parker & Tonarcy — Henry Hiester, Vernon, Texas
Offered is an original 19th-century cabinet card photograph of Comanche Chief Quanah Parker and Tonarcy (also spelled To-Nar-Cy), one of his wives.
Quanah Parker (c. 1845–1911) was the last principal war chief of the Kwahadi band of the Comanche and later became a prominent Comanche leader, rancher and public figure in Oklahoma.
The photograph bears the imprint of Henry T. Hiester, a photographer who operated a studio in Vernon, Texas, from approximately 1889 to 1895. Hiester is represented in the collections of the Smithsonian\'s National Anthropological Archives, including its holdings of Native American photography. His Vernon-period work included photographs of Comanche subjects.
The photograph therefore represents an interesting combination of an important historical subject and a historically documented Texas photographer.
CONDITION
This is an original photograph that is more than 100 years old and has sustained damage over the years. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.
The cabinet card measures approximately 4.25\" x 6.5\".
Condition issues include:
• The scalloped portion of the upper-right corner of the mount has broken away
• A small tear is present at the upper-left corner
• Some staining is visible along the bottom
• General edge and surface wear consistent with age
• A couple of very small scratches near Quanah\'s face
• A significant crease/crack extends through the middle of the card and photograph; detailed photographs are provided
• There is old tape on the reverse that appears to have been applied decades ago to reinforce the damaged area
The card remains fairly sturdy, but I cannot determine whether the crack extends completely through the photograph/mount. No attempt has been made to remove the old tape or otherwise repair the photograph.
Please review the detailed condition photographs before offerding.
PROVENANCE
The cabinet card was obtained from a family member whose great-grandfather was a first cousin of Quanah Parker.
This family connection is part of the history of the item, although I cannot provide additional genealogical documentation establishing the relationship.
SHIPPING
The photograph will be carefully packaged and shipped fully insured with signature confirmation required upon delivery to help ensure its safe arrival.
Please feel free to ask questions before offerding.
