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Product 93/680

BARNUM BAILEY CIRCUS SIDESHOW Photo Midget Charles R. Decker

Sorry, this is sold out , but contact us for similar alternative we may have.
kevin@cvtreasures.com

Original Vintage Antique Circus Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale
BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS 
SIDESHOW Performer 19th Century CABINET PHOTO 

Midget Charles R. Decker
Circa 1870s

Photographer 
 Henry Heyde of Chicago

 

 

1870s BARNUM CIRCUS SIDESHOW MIDGET / DWARF PERFORMER CDV PHOTO CHARLES DECKER

Very rare and original, 1860’s CDV Photograph of Sideshow / Circus Performer / Midget Charles R. Decker. This rare and wonderful, CDV Photo measures approx. 2 1/4" by 3 3/8" and is mounted on its original, square corner, gold rule border, photographer's Card Mount (overall size 2 1/2" by 4"). The Image pictures the diminutive Performer in full In his right hand he holds a diminutive walking stick and with his left hand he grasps the lapel of his jacket. The back of the mount carries the mark of the photographer, Henry Heyde of Chicago.      * See enlargeable images above and below

    Born in 1855, little Charles Decker eventually grew to a height of only 32 inches and a weight of 45 pounds. Naturally, he claimed to be the Smallest Man in the World. When touring dime museums throughout the country, Decker took a cue from other popular little people and often bestowed a military rank upon himself. The midget was often called Major or more pretentiously, General. In addition to being known for his size, Decker was also known for his intelligence and was said to have been a mechanical genius. Unfortunately, the little man with the big brain had his life cut short. Charles Decker passed away in Chicago at the age of 38, on Oct. 28, 1893.

    This wonderful and very rare, Circus / Sideshow Performer CDV Photograph is in excellent condition. The Image exhibits sharp focus, strong contrast and rich warm tonality. Both the Photo and the Card Mount are clean and crisp and very well preserved.

    A very rare and original, 1870's CDV Photograph of Sideshow Performer / Midget Charles R. Decker and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!

NOTE:  Although we have had a number of late 19th C circus posters over the years, we have never had a piece this early (until recently), actually published while Barnum was still alive as such material is virtually non existent.   That's why this Original photo is so exciting as it was published at the height of his success and most likely Barnum owned one of these photos himself.  

NOTE:  
We recently acquired SIX other antique SIDESHOW photos.  See the others below under , "Other Treasures You May Like". 

Note: Cvtreasures stamp Not on original



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