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Lot 018 - Vintage Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Lithograph Poster, Clown with Blue Ruff, Extra Performance Saturday May 15, 10:00 A.M., Illustrated by Bill Bailey, Lithographed in U.S.A., Circa 1940, 41" W x 27-3/4" H

Lot 018 - Vintage Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Lithograph Poster, Clown with Blue Ruff, Extra Performance Saturday May 15, 10:00 A.M., Illustrated by Bill Bailey, Lithographed in U.S.A., Circa 1940, 41" W x 27-3/4" H

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Vintage chromolithograph circus poster for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, featuring a large illustration of a laughing clown in white face paint with a red nose, blue ruffled collar, and striped sleeve, tipping his hat against a red ground. Text announces an extra performance at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 15. The illustration is signed by Bill Bailey at lower left. The bottom margin bears a partial copyright notice crediting Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, Inc., and the imprint "Litho. in U.S.A."

In the range of 1920s–1950s, May 15th fell on a Saturday in 1920, 1926, 1937, and 1943. Given the graphic style and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows copyright notice, 1937 or 1943 would be the most likely candidates, though the exact year cannot be confirmed without additional documentation.

Condition shows significant wear including tears, losses, and edge damage at all margins, fold lines throughout, and soiling. The poster has been folded for storage.
Dimensions: 41" W x 27-3/4" H
Dimensions for this lot are estimated and not exact.

Auction Date: 03/26/2026

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