This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
“Pop” Haussman’s Extensive Collection of Signed Circus Performer Photographs. 1950s. Thirteen albums, 4to, each filled with individual 8 x 10” signed and/or inscribed photographs (approximately 442 altogether) of circus performers and cast members. Front cover of each binder featuring an original acrylic circus illustration. From the collection of Carl “Pop” Haussman, who once boasted of having the “world’s largest circus autograph collection.” These are 13 volumes from an archive that originally spanned 34 volumes. On the spine, the circus or circuses represented within each album is specified, comprising Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey; Hagenbeck-Wallace; Clyde Beatty; Polack Bros.; Davenport; Mills; and Rogers. Nearly every imaginable type of circus performer is represented, including cowboys and Western performers, clowns, American Indians, equestrians, dancers, musicians, dwarfs, wild animal trainers, aerialists, ringmasters, and many others. Images signed individually in most cases, but in others by two, three, or as many as seven people. Most or possibly all of the images were taken by Haussman or his father, Otto, and include headshots, full-length portraits, performance and action shots, group photos, and poses outside circus tents, wagons, and trains. Prints loosely inserted in sleeves with clear overlays. Condition generally very good. A tremendous archive possibly unique in size and scope.