William Frederick Cody, known worldwide as Buffalo Bill, is portrayed here in a striking profile cabinet card produced by Brisbois, operating at 125 State Street in Chicago. The albumen print presents a bust-length left-facing profile against a plain light ground, consistent with the studio's commercial portrait work of the 1880s. Cody was at the height of his fame during this period, having launched Buffalo Bill's Wild West in 1883, and Chicago was a frequent stop for both his touring show and promotional portraiture.

His signature long, flowing light-colored hair falls well past his collar, and a full mustache and goatee frame his profile distinctly. He wears a dark coat with a white collar just visible at the throat, and his expression is composed and slightly elevated, lending the image a theatrical gravity suited to his public persona.

Cody (1846-1917) served as a scout for the U.S. Army, earned the Medal of Honor, and became one of the most recognized figures of the American West, his fame amplified globally through his Wild West exhibitions and dime novel portrayals.

Ink inscription on the mount face reads "Col. W.F. Cody 'Buffalo Bill'" in period script. The reverse bears a pencil inscription reading "Mrs. Mardy." The Brisbois imprint with eagle device and address appears in red on the mount recto.