This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2023
[TRICK CYCLIST] Carnival. Festival of Fun. Leicester: Wilson’s New Walk Colour Printing Works, ca. 1880. Letterpress four-color playbill with wood-engraved images of a carousel and the “leap for life” bicycle/diving stunt presented by Edward Ransley at the Pavilion Carnarvon in Wales. Among the varied attractions noted on the bill are a shooting gallery, trick cycle acts, tightrope performers, a human crocodile and other side show acts, along with other entertainments and games. 44 x 17 ½”. Old folds, scattered losses over-colored, corners chipped. B. Mounted to Chartex. Ransley’s act is described on the bill in great detail. He first rode around a “teacup track” at terrific speed. Then, while still circling, the track was raised over fifty feet in the air. At the apex of its elevation, Ransley dove through the open bottom of the track into a tank of water just four feet deep – followed by his bicycle, and eventually “thunderous applause” from the audience.