Phineas Barnum
[Portland, ME], June 8, 1878
P.T. Barnum Boldly Signed Autograph Page From 1878 New England Circus Circuit
Signature

An autograph album page boldly signed and inscribed by American showman Phineas T. Barnum (1810-1891) as: "Truly yours / P.T. Barnum / June 8th 1878" at the center. June 8, 1878. [Portland, Maine.] Gentle toning, isolated foxing and edge darkening. The lower part of the left margin is sheared away resulting in minor paper loss. Else near fine. 6.75" x 8.125".

P.T. Barnum personally toured with his Greatest Show on Earth as it travelled through the Northeast (east to Bangor, Maine) and Midwest (west to Illinois) during the Spring-Summer 1878. Preceded by a gaudy advance railroad car dubbed the "paste brigade," which sprayed the environs with programs, lithographs, and ephemera, the traveling troupe rolled into Portland, Maine ahead of its scheduled back-to-back shows on June 8, 1878. Barnum's autograph was likely collected during his time in the city; he made certain to stress in newspaper advertisements that: "I [Barnum] shall positively address my patrons from the Arena at each Exhibition." He was interviewed in local papers on June 7, 1878, so we know he was present.

The June 8, 1878 double shows in Portland took place on the Western Promenade, accessible by excursion car and a 50 cent admissions ticket. Once ensconced in the arena, visitors were promised a pageant of show-stopping novelties, including six trained elephants topped by a somersaulting tumbler; a suite of male and female bareback and lightning hurdle riders; a band of 20 Royal Stallions from European stables; and the antics of its company of 100 stock circus performers. Audiences were also promised English clown Jack Holloway and "Captain Constentenus, The Tattooed Greek Nobleman, tattooed from head to foot."

P.T. Barnum described this tour in "Life of P.T. Barnum, Written by Himself; Including his Golden Rules for Money-Making. Brought up to 1888" (Buffalo: The Courier Company, Printers, 1888), pgs. 318-319.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 6.75" x 8.125"
  • Medium: Signature

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