JACOBS, Lou (1903–1992). Signed Contract for Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey. 1941. Jacob's contract dated January 28, 1941, for the 1941 season. It states that he is to be paid $40 per week and is expected to "clown throughout the performances..." Contract is signed by Jacobs and John Ringling North, nephew of the Ringling brothers, and President and Director of the circus between 1937-1943 and 1947-1967.

13 1/2 x 8 1/2"; folded8 1/2 x 3 3/8".

Jacobs performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for 60 years. Despite standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, he was the pioneer of the famous clown-car gag, fitting into a tiny 2 x 3-foot vehicle. He also popularized the classic red rubber nose and appeared in the 1952 film "The Greatest Show on Earth." In 1966, he became the first living person to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp. Later, Jacobs contributed to the future of clowning as a founding professor at the Ringling Clown College. Recognizable by his bulbous red nose, high-arching eyebrows, and small hat, he is widely regarded as one of the most iconic clowns in circus history.

Very good.