CABINET CARD OF A COWBOY
(Kansas) Cowboy studio photo by O.H. Talbott while he was in Paola, Kansas between 1895-1897. Prior to this O.H. Talbot was in Girard Kansas and in 1900 he moved to Eldorado Springs, Missouri. By 1910 he had left photography and was listed as a farmer in Potosi, Linn Cty., Kansas. Prior to that he had filed on June 5, 1908 for a patent on a photographic-plate holder. However, he is best known for his studio works and historic portraits in Paola, Kansas.
Talbot, Paola, Kansas imprint on front of card. A full advertisement for his Photographie Studio on verso. 4 1/4 x 6 ½ inches. Vg cond. Great contrast.
In correspondence with Western Historian and Consultant Brian Lebel he wrote “The cowboy, and I will say cowboy because he does not appear to be a traveler which 95% of these studio images are, he stands like he is authentic and he seems to have a confidence about him. He is dressed in his finest given away by the tie and button collar. In his "wrapped" loop holster it appears to be an ivory handled Colt Single Action Army revolver (made starting in 1873 to present) on a well made cartridge belt. The small "Suicide Special" spur trigger revolver stuck into one of the loops feels like an added photographers prop which was common. It appears to be an Iver Johnson made revolver although many companies made similar guns. He is holding in his left hand a Colt 1860 Army revolver, .44 caliber, it is well used with the ejector lever wrapped at the front to keep it in place. The saddle is a classic trail saddle from popular in the 1880's and sold for many years after. It is a good quality saddle with full Sam Stagg double rigging and riveted skirts. Because it is lightweight and riveted it appears to be a catalog saddle (Montgomery Ward / Sears / etc.) but there is what appears to be a faint makers mark on the center of the fender so it could be saddle maker made. On the pommel of the saddle is an early style flap holster which I am sure is for the Colt 1860, that would make sense. The one thing that throws it off is the simple driving bit on the bridle. You do not normally see those being used for riding horses but of course finances could dictate that. It is always hard to tell if these are photographers props because they all used them but looks pretty real to me except for the spur trigger….”
Source: Western Historian and Consultant Brian Lebel.