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Lot # 83: 1913 Barnum & Bailey Elephant Baseball Circus Poster - "Greatest Poster on Earth"

Category: Early Baseball

Starting Bid: $3,000.00

Bids: 8 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2018 Invitational",
which ran from 7/15/2018 9:00 AM to
8/17/2018 10:00 PM



One of only two we have ever seen for private sale. Fabled color lithograph gem is one of the true "giants" of circus posters in more ways than one. Fittingly, this elephantine team is billed as "Mooney's GIANTS...The Big League Leaders...The Famous Elephant Base Ball Team". As valued to circus collectors as baseball collectors, this is one of the ultimate crossover pieces.  In breathtaking color and in pinpoint detail, two of these pachyderms are wearing early spider catcher's masks. Copyright 1913 by the Strobridge Litho Company, originally based in Cincinnati, celebrated for their supreme creations for "The Greatest Show On Earth". Considered the standard of that art, they have been rewarded with placement in both the Smithsonian and Library of Congress. This fabulous piece is mounted on linen with only minor restoration. It is in splendid gem perfect appearance. Special thanks to Brian Dwyer of REA for his assistance in research. 

This stunning tribute to a lost entertainment art, this is in fact one of our personal favorites in an auction filled with treasures. Measures (29.5x19.5").

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