Letter by James B. Rankin to Britz; states that Phil Weinard possesses some of Charles M. Russell's early work. Typed on the front of two pages.

423 We(hole) 118th St. New York, N.Y. January 25, 1939 Mr. H.E. Britzman 555 South Flower St. Los Angeles, Calif. Dear “Britz”: Since receiving your last letter I have been busy digging up the information you want about Phil Weinard’s pictures. From my records I find that he has only four original paintings, one letter with a small water color sketch and three photos of himself and CMR. If that is not correct then my own records are not straight. The paintings are Charlie’s early work and of course are rather crude. However it is my personal opinion that they are exceptionally interesting as they were given to the man who took him to Canada for the first time (as mentioned in the letter) and are unquestionably authentic although only one is signed (with the early monogram). One picture of Indians descending a mountainside has the paint put on very thin. The canvas shows through. This may seem a defect but really it is the most interesting of the lot because it clearly shows Charlie’s way of leaving a picture (and many later ones were left the same way and were touched up by other artists). When these pictures were sent to me I had to pay duty on them. The amusing thing was that they were valued at about ten dollars for the whole lot and I paid on that basis. If they had been rightly valued I would never have accepted them and they would probably never have been photostated. You will be pleased to know that a very close friend of m[i?]ne has a brother-in-law in Reno, Nevada, who is a prominent cattle man. I asked her to request that he send you some of his branding irons. He is Mr. John G. Taylor. If you don’t hear from him in due time I suggest that you communicate with him personally and tell him that you have heard/him through (a a friend of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Bexley Hocombe. This morning my letter addressed to Percy Raban was returned to me. He is still the man of mystery. I wish that you would see if you can contact Mr. Dwight Franklin in Hollywood and ask him if he knows where Will Crawford, the artist, friend of CMR’s, is now residing. That may be a big assignment but I am most anxious to locate this artist and would appreciate your help. Can you give me a line on Frank Hoffman, an artist of Taos, N.M.? He is said to have known the Russells. (next) Mr. H.E. Britzman, 1/2(hole)39. Page 2 Just recently Mrs. Florence Russell wrote me that she had a very pleasant evening with you and Mrs. Britzman and saw your new pictures. She tells me that Mr. Jamieson has proposed to send her Lake McDonald picture to an eastern party for inspection. If you would be kind enough to look up his standing and notify Mrs. Russell I should appreciate it very much. He tells me that he is an expert on Indian costumes and works with the moving picture people. I told you that he also sells Russell paintings and has a large collection at present. as well as an original manuscript of a story in “Rawhide Rawlins.” He lives on Olympic Blvd, if my memory does not fail me, and his initials are C.B. I know nothing about his business status other than what he has told me and I certainly don’t want Mrs. Russell to have any possible difficulty with him or anyone else on my account. Have you ever written to Dr. W.A. allen? He is the dentist of Billings, Montana, who wrote a book about forty years ago and still has the original illustrations by Charlie Russell. Others who may be willing to sell original Russell pictures are:: 1. Mrs. Pearl Woodruff, Phoenix, Ariz.; 2. Mrs. William Grill, Great Falls, Mont.; 3. The Milch Galleries, New York. 4. The Doutthit Galleries, New York. 5. Mrs. M.C. Goodell, Hobson, Montana? [crossed out], Box 65 6. Mrs. Frank Linderman, Goose Bay, Somers, Mont. When you write to them please do not mention my name. I am not sure about Mrs. Linderman but it would not do any harm to write and inquire and she has a very nice collection of small pictures and letters . As for branding irons, you might write to Mr. Alick Newton, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I understand that he is in charge (of) the ranch of the late Senator Pat Burns and may have some influence with the manager of the EP Ranch. That is all for the present, except to say that I am sending to you under separate cover Photostats of Phil Weinard’s collection of paintings and wish that you would kindly return them to me when you are finished with them. All good wishes to you, Mrs. Britzman and Duke, and please remember me most kindly to Mr. and Mrs. Bob James whenever you write to them. Sincerely yours, [signed] Jim James B. Rankin

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2011-10-24]