This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2023
SPINETTO, Antonio. Grand Exhibition of Performing Canary Birds. New York: Jos. A. Frateas & Co. Printers, [1847]. Pictorial letterpress broadside with two elaborate woodcuts depicting the remarkable feats of Spinetto’s trained birds. In one, the trainer blows a trumpet as the canaries both pull and ride in a chariot and coach; in the other, they act out military drills including the firing of a miniature cannon and a mock execution. The descriptive program lists 21 parts of the program, one of which features a bird sitting in a chair and smoking a pipe. 15 ¼ x 6”. Dampstains, folds, and one tiny loss at intersecting folds. See Exemplars, p. 268. The pictured execution was a featured portion of the program titled “The Death of Marshall Ney.” All the canaries were, according to the broadside, “dressed in appropriate uniform” while performing.