Circus, Sideshow & Oddities

Sideshow Electric Chair. Circa 1940. Well-traveled and used ersatz electric chair in which a seated subject could conduct sufficient current to spark the torch of a fire eater or cause light bulbs held in her hand to become illuminated, among other tricks. Adorned with numerous sockets for various lightbulbs, and retaining the original insulated wiring and copper-covered armrests and seat. Sold with the elaborate board used to activate the device, replete with sockets and switches to apparently regulate the flow of electricity to the subject. Height of chair 62 ½”. Well-worn but useable and attractive, with a vintage folk art look. A classic and nearly-forgotten sideshow staple, the Electric Chair illusion allowed showmen to advertise something far more macabre than the act they actually exhibited – though horror-like material, torture devices, and the like were often part of traveling ten-in-ones, or were exhibits on their own. Two Coney Island-used banners in this sale (see lots 251 and 252), depict modern methods of advertising the act.