Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

Circus, Sideshow & Oddities

Sat, Jun 26, 2021 12:00PM EDT
Lot 517

BARNUM, Phineas Taylor. Autograph Letter Signed, to ?Bertie...

Estimate: $300 - $400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
BARNUM, Phineas Taylor. Autograph Letter Signed, to ?Bertie.? Bridgeport, CT: Nov. 14, 1888. On a sheet of Barnum?s personal Waldemere stationery (8 7/8 x 5 ??), replying to a letter in which Smith enclosed a photograph of himself, with Barnum remarking on the ?great change in your appearance since as a little boy, you proposed to mount the stage-coach and proceed with me to the United States!? Barnum continues, ?I have become an old man 78 1/3 years, and have about finished my work here. Your new occupation (Corn Mills) is a good one. We must all eat, and may you prosper in furnishing food for hungry mouths.? Signed, ?Your friend/Phineas T Barnum.? Enclosed with the letter is a miniature cabinet photo of Gladstone; and a news clipping in which Mrs. Barnum was quoted. Retains the original mailing cover addressed by Barnum.