Here we have a rare and unusual cabinet card photograph of a sideshow performer lounging in a top hat with her trombone in her hand and guitar laying nearby. I absolutely love this image of an amazing 19th century performer. I mean, she has the ultimate pose in the ultimate outfit. No one looks better in a top hat. What a story she has to tell. And she is one of the rarest gems in American history. The top hat!
The bottom front of the card is stamped "Rich's" 95 Blue Island Ave, Chicago, Illinois. Rich's was a legendary studio that photographed sideshow performers. Here's the list of performers photographed in this studio, per my research:
- Tattooed Lady Lulu Baum
- Tattooed Show Man
- Athelia Yucatan Aztec Pinhead
- Annie Howard, Tattooed Lady
- Circassian Snake Woman
- Woman with Waterfalling Mane
- Snake Charmer Woman
- Little Henriette Mortez
The rare antique photograph comes out of a Twin Cities collector's estate containing some very rare and unusual photography. My guess is the rare tintype came out of the 1880s.
The unusual cabinet card measures about 6 1/2" tall, and 4" wide. The antique photograph is in extremely good condition given its age. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO boxes). The rare cabinet card will be shipping housed in a hard sleeve. Free shipping on the unusual 19th century photograph.
If you see a sign for a "Sideshow", always check it out. Listen to the old timers.
