December 12, 1927 PGC:EG Mrs. Charles M. Russell, 701 Michigan Boulevard, Pasadena, Calif. Dear Nancy: Last week I took the liberty, as per your suggestion of dropping around to visit Mr. Bertelli and Mr. Huber at the Roman Bronze Works. The main object of my visit was to order a copy of “Counting Coups” for a friend for Christmas. I was fortunate in finding that they already had a copy in work. While I had not before had the pleasure of meeting either Mr. Bertelli or Mr. Huber, I had heard so much of them and knew so much of the excellence of their work, that is was a pleasure to see their shop and meet them. They recognized me by name and there was no question when I explained to them that while I frankly wished to avoid the dealer’s commission. I wanted to be sure that you got your full share on the deal. I suggested that they ask you to bill me direct for this bronze. If you wil be kind enough to forward your bill at once, I will see that it is taken care of even in advance of the completion of the job. As you know, we are going away soon and I am anxious to clean up all bills. Katherine and I thoroughly enjoyed not only the ex- hibition with its wonderful chance to see so many of Charley’s things together, but equally we enjoyed our visits with you. We only regret that we did not get to see more of you. However, better luck next time. The head of “Sleeping Thunder” arrived safely. On putting it with the other things in the room we are frankly of the opinion that it does not hold its own with the other things we have, therefore, I am going to ask the Grand Central Galleries or you to exchange this head for “The Texas Steer”. I am sure that a steer will fit in our collection much better for the long horned steer like the buffalo, is an animal which cannot again be reproduced as Charley did it. In asking for this ex- change I do so without being able to recall just what the price of either of these pieces is. I am under the impression that “Sleeping Thunder” may be more expensive than “The Texas Steer”. If so I assume that the difference in cash will be refunded to me. If not, I will be willing to make the exchange even. In case the Galleries do not care to do this for me, I count on your doing it. I will be glad to hear from you on this. (next) 2nd Page – Mrs. Charles M. Russell, December 12, 1927 We often speak of you. Hope that you had a pleasant journey home and found Jack as you would have him. Please re- member us all to him. also to Ted. We are all in more or less of a state of confusion getting ready for Christmas, also we all join in very best to you. As always. [signed] Philip [Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2011-11-02]