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Good antique condition. The image shows some mild fading and surface wear typical of its age. The card mount has slight edge wear, and the reverse shows some minor foxing/spotting, but the promotional text and Eisenmann imprint remain highly legible. Please review all photos for exact condition.
Item Specifics:
Type: Photograph
Format: Carte de Visite (CDV)
Subject: Sideshow / Dime Museum Performer, \"Major Tot\"
Year of Production: ca. 1880s
Photographer: Charles Eisenmann (229 Bowery, New York)
Original/Reprint: Original Print
Theme: Circus, Sideshow, Human Oddities, Americana
Provenance: Ex-John Diesso Collection; Potter & Potter sales (if this applies to this card as well)
Item Description:
Original 19th-Century Sideshow Pitch Card by Charles Eisenmann
A fantastic original Carte de Visite (CDV) featuring 19th-century sideshow performer \"Major Tot.\" This particular image is highly desirable as it was captured by the legendary Bowery photographer Charles Eisenmann, the most famous documentarian of Gilded Age sideshow performers.
The photograph features an incredible posed staging. To emphasize his remarkably small stature, Major Tot is depicted standing on the outstretched palm of his manager.
The reverse functions as an advertising pitch card, printed with:
\"BIG SUCCESS EVERYWHERE —OF— MAJOR TOT, The Wonderful Human Midget. Age, 16 years. Weight only 10 ½ lbs.\"
It bears the highly sought-after studio imprint: \"Chas. Eisenmann, Photo., 229 Bowery, N. Y.\"
Provenance & Collector History:
This exceptional piece of sideshow history boasts premium provenance, having formerly resided in the esteemed John Diesso Collection of circus, sideshow, and oddities ephemera. It was recently acquired via Potter & Potter sales.
