P.T. Barnum Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
P.T. BARNUM
Born: July 5, 1810 in Brethel, Connecticut
Died: April 7, 1891 in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Died: April 7, 1891 in Bridgeport, Connecticut
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
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH 12/03/1885 - HFSID 48357P. T. BARNUM Barnum signed this card at his Waldemere mansion in Bridgeport, Connecticut near the end of 1885. Framed in Gallery of History style with a b/w photo of Barnum and nameplate. Signature: "P.T Barnum/Waldemere/Bridgeport Conn/Dec 3d 1885". 3¼x2 card.Sale Price $850.00
$1,000.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 67943P.T. BARNUM A letter to an associate regarding photographs of him for sale from his copy of Life magazine Autograph letter signed "P.T. Barnum", 1p, 6x6½. No place, no date. To Mr Hagar or Hentham. In full: "The bearer Mr H.T. Allen will show you an enlarged copy of my Life, with twenty three or four additional pictures.
Sale Price $1,020.00
$1,200.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/14/1883 - HFSID 286033The great showman will send a bear and hyena that died at his circus' winter quarters to his taxidermist to be mounted or "skeletonized" for display at Tufts' Barnum Museum and mentions Jumbo, the giant elephant that the recipient will preserve less than three years later
Sale Price $4,037.50
$4,750.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/31/1884 - HFSID 254622P.T. BARNUM Mentioning Madison Square Garden and his White Elephant Jumbo. ALS: "P.T. Barnum", 1p, 4¼x6¾. Waldemere,Bridgeport, Ct., 1884 January 31. On his embossed monogrammed stationery. To Halden. In full: "Thanks for your letter & the articles you name.
Sale Price $1,700.00
$2,000.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/28/1856 - HFSID 350455This extraordinary letter was handwritten, signed and dated by Barnum. It's written on unique letterhead that incorporates a flyer from his Gallery of American Beauty and talks about his financial woes and about Charles Stratton - better known as General Tom Thumb, one of Barnum's biggest attractions.
Sale Price $1,912.50
$2,250.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 03/21/1861 - HFSID 345626P.T. BARNUM The showman and performer signed this handwritten letter asking for a referral concerning Julia Embree Autograph Letter Signed: “P.T. Barnum” in black ink on a 5½x7¾ sheet of paper. One page. To Mrs. A.C. Wilson.
Sale Price $1,020.00
$1,200.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 04/07/1876 - HFSID 41695P.T. BARNUM Barnum handwrote, signed and dated this letter to his cousin the Reverend George Emerson from Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1876. In it, he talks about Emerson's upcoming trip to Europe. ALS: "P.T. Barnum", 2 pages, 5x8, front and verso. Bridgeport, Connecticut, 1876 April 7.
Sale Price $1,020.00
$1,200.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/06/1871 - HFSID 254644P.T. BARNUM The master showman writes of a visit by his friend Horace Greeley. ALS: "P.T. Barnum", 2½p, 5x8. New York, 1871 May 6. To Mary. In part: "It
Sale Price $1,912.50
$2,250.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/17/1853 - HFSID 43809P. T. BARNUM Barnum handwrote, signed and dated this short letter in 1853 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In it, he writes William C. Bryant that he will "with pleasure accede to your request". Autograph letter signed "P T Barnum". With pencil notations in top corners in unknown hand.
Sale Price $850.00
$1,000.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/23/1856 - HFSID 2163Barnum handwrote and signed this letter, expressing worry about his finances, from New York in 1856. This letter was written one year after he retired from show business and one year before resuming his career because of his debts; it offers a glimpse into a rare year when Barnum wasn't the most famous huckster and showman in the world.
Sale Price $1,020.00
$1,200.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 10/02/1872 - HFSID 4176Barnum handwrote, signed and dated this letter from Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1872. In it, Barnum tells the recipient that his children have returned safely home after a visit and of the wonderful care they were given while they were away. It's a rare look at Barnum the family man instead of Barnum the showman.
Sale Price $1,190.00
$1,400.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 10/19/1888 - HFSID 13972Barnum handwrote, signed and dated this letter from Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1888 to his grandson "Dear Old Henry", who had moved away. This tender letter contrasts with Barnum's more well-known public persona as a huckster and showman.
Sale Price $1,020.00
$1,200.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 12/13/1852 - HFSID 84747P.T. BARNUM The circus showman writes to Rufus Griswold at Illustrated News, asking him to write an article in praise of his new paper Autograph letter signed: "Truly Yours/P T Barnum", 3p, 4½x7¼. Bridgeport, Connecticut, 1852 December 13.Addressed by Barnum on verso of integral leaf to: "Dr.
Sale Price $1,487.50
$1,750.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 7/2 - HFSID 265836P.T. BARNUM A letter from Barnum to a friend, saying that his wife would love to have them as guests after he returns from a trip Autograph letter signed: "P T Barnum", 1p, 5¼x8¼. Home [Bridgeport, Connecticut], no year, but circa 1866, July 2, Monday A.M.To "My dear Mrs Beach".
Sale Price $1,360.00
$1,600.00
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P.T. BARNUM - AUTOGRAPH PASS SIGNED 04/11/1885 - HFSID 67836P.T. BARNUM An autograph pass from Barnum to the Madison Square exhibition for the "best reserved seats" or his private box, if necessary Autograph pass signed: "P.T. Barnum" (twice), 1p, 8x10. Bridgeport, Conn., 1885 April 11.To "Managers B.B. & H. Show".In full:"Pass Geo. C.
Sale Price $850.00
$1,000.00
