P.T. Barnum Signed Cabinet Card Reading In Front of Fireplace

A cabinet card of American businessman and entertainer P.T. Barnum. Measuring 6.5" x 4.25", Bridgeport, Connecticut, dated June 1, 1885. A seated portrait of Barnum in front of a fireplace while reading a book. Signed at the lower margin, "Compliments of PT Barnum." With a Betts backstamp on verso. The card has slightly rubbed and worn corners and edges. Toning with minor soiling throughout. Foxing on verso. Overall very good.

Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891) was an American showman, businessman, politician, and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Before his iconic merge with partner James Anthony Bailey, however, Barnum was a notable museum owner in New York City, housing many of his most famous oddities within its walls. Heralded as one of the most popular attractions of its time, Barnum's American Museum was in operation between 1842 and 1865, at its peak boasting up to 15,000 visitors a day before the building was burnt down in the mid-1860s.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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