Step Right Up: Circus and Sideshow Memorabilia
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 11:00AM EDT
![[LITTLE PEOPLE]. Three Cabinet Cards Featuring the Rossow Brothers. Circa late 19th century.](https://s1.img.bidsquare.com/item/xl/3773/37730806.jpeg?t=1WEFmy)
Lot 198
[LITTLE PEOPLE]. Three Cabinet Cards Featuring the Rossow Brothers. Circa late 19th century.
Estimate: $200 - $400
Sold for
$156.25
Sold Price includes BP
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 |
[LITTLE PEOPLE]. Three Cabinet Cards Featuring the Rossow Brothers. Glasgow, Scotland: Langfier, ca. late 19th century. This set includes three images of the brothers: in the first, they are posing with weights; in the second, one brother lifts the other on a platform; and in the third, they are seen with a suited man, likely their manager. Each 6 ½ x 4 ¼ inches.
Carl (c. 1874-unknown) and Franz Rossow (c. 1876-unknown) were two well-known Viennese brothers with proportional dwarfism who gained international fame as circus and sideshow performers in the late 19th century. Carl measured 29 inches and weighed about 16 pounds, while Franz stood just 21 inches tall and weighed approximately 24 pounds. They were promoted as "the smallest and greatest fighters in the world," and their act featured a variety of athletic feats.
Condition
Some toning and foxing. Minor handling wear. Very good.
Available payment options
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