P.T. Barnum Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
P.T. BARNUM
Born: July 05, 1810 in Brethel, Connecticut
Died: April 07, 1891 in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Biography
Barnum (1810-1891, born Phineas Taylor Barnum in Bethel, Connecticut) began his career as a showman in 1835 with his purchase and exploitation of a black woman, Joyce Heth, reputed to have been the nurse of George Washington and to be over 160 years old. He purchased Scudder's American Museum in New York in 1841, adding to it to make his museum one of the most popular shows in the U.S. Barnum retired in 1855 but, because of creditors, resumed his career as showman and museum proprietor in 1857. In 1869, Barnum organized "The Greatest Show on Earth", which opened in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1871. In 1881, he became partners with James A. Bailey of Cooper, Bailey and Company's Circus, forming "Barnum and Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth". In 1907, his circus was sold to Ringling Brothers.
Jocko - Production (August 28, 1865 - September 2, 1865), The-Witch-of-the-Black-Cavern - Production (August 14, 1865 - August 19, 1865), The-Midnight-Assault/Love-Among-the-Bonnets - Production (August 7, 1865 - August 12, 1865), The-Beauty-of-Seville/Robert-and-Bertrand - Production (July 31, 1865 - August 5, 1865), The-Green-Monster - Production (July 10, 1865 - July 29, 1865), The-Ring-of-Fate - Production (December 26, 1864 - February 11, 1865), Mazulm - Production (July 11, 1864 - August 6, 1864), Mrs.-Partington - Other (July 14, 1862 - July 26, 1862), Hop-O'-My-Thumb - Production (April 7, 1862 - May 2, 1862), Sadak-and-Kalasrade! - Production (March 3, 1862 - April 5, 1862), Ondina! - Production (December 23, 1861 - March 1, 1862)
Style
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH 12/03/1885 - HFSID 48357Card signed by P. T. Barnum at his Waldemere mansion in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on December 3, 1885, includes the inscription, P.T Barnum/Waldemere/Bridgeport Conn/Dec 3d 1885. Accompanied by a black and white photograph of Barnum and a nameplate.Sale Price $1,495.00
$1,800.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 67943Letter signed by P.T. Barnum, discussing photographs for sale from his copy of Life magazine. Addressed to Mr. Hagar or Hentham, it details pricing and offers for enlarged images. Written without a specific date or location.
Price: $2,400.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/31/1884 - HFSID 254622Letter. Autographed letter signed by P.T. Barnum, dated January 31, 1884, referencing Madison Square Garden and Jumbo, the White Elephant. Written on embossed monogrammed stationery, addressing Halden and discussing his circus operations and upcoming show.
Price: $3,000.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/28/1856 - HFSID 350455Letter handwritten and signed by P.T. Barnum, dated February 28, 1856, discussing financial difficulties and Charles Stratton, known as General Tom Thumb. Written on unique letterhead from Barnum's American Museum, it includes a promotional handbill for "The Gallery of American Beauty."
Sale Price $2,750.00
$3,250.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 03/21/1861 - HFSID 345626Handwritten letter signed by P.T. Barnum in black ink, addressed to Mrs. A.C. Wilson, discussing a referral for Julia Embree as a cook and laundress. The letter includes questions about her abilities and cleanliness, providing insight into Barnum's interactions.
Sale Price $1,850.00
$2,200.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 04/07/1876 - HFSID 41695Letter from P.T. Barnum, handwritten and signed, dated April 7, 1876, addressed to his cousin Reverend George Emerson. Discussing Emerson's European trip and its benefits, the letter contains a handwritten postscript stating "all well."
Price: $2,600.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/06/1871 - HFSID 254644Letter written by P.T. Barnum, dated May 6, 1871, discussing a visit from Horace Greeley and expressing enjoyment of the company. Signed as P.T. Barnum, the letter includes personal anecdotes and invitations for future visits.
Sale Price $2,395.00
$2,800.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/17/1853 - HFSID 43809Autograph letter signed "P T Barnum", handwritten and dated in 1853. Barnum responds to William C. Bryant, stating he will "with pleasure accede to your request". The letter is addressed from Bridgeport, Connecticut, on June 17, 1853.
Price: $1,800.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/23/1856 - HFSID 2163Letter handwritten and signed by P. T. Barnum in 1856, expressing financial concerns. Addressed to an unnamed recipient, it details the validity of a mortgage and reflects a rare moment in Barnum's life post-retirement. Contains his signature, "P. T. Barnum".
Price: $1,800.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 10/02/1872 - HFSID 4176Letter handwritten and signed by P. T. Barnum, dated October 2, 1872, from Bridgeport, Connecticut. In the letter, Barnum discusses his children's safe return and expresses gratitude to their hosts. The letter provides insight into Barnum's family life.
Price: $2,600.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 12/13/1852 - HFSID 84747Autograph letter signed by P.T. Barnum, dated December 13, 1852, addressed to Dr. Rufus Griswold, requesting an article for his new paper. Barnum signs as Truly Yours/P T Barnum and includes a handwritten postscript on the next page.
Price: $3,000.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 7/2 - HFSID 265836Letter from P.T. Barnum, signed "P T Barnum", dated July 2, circa 1866, inviting Mrs. Beach and her family to visit after his return from a trip. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Barnum.
Price: $2,600.00
-
P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH PASS SIGNED 04/11/1885 - HFSID 67836Autograph pass signed by "P.T. Barnum" (twice), dated April 11, 1885, granting access to the Madison Square exhibition for "Geo. C. Waldo" and friends. Includes a postscript instructing to show everything, on The Standard Association stationery.
Price: $1,800.00
