This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/17/2024
SAMEE, Ramo (d. 1850). Ramo Samee, the Indian Juggler!!! London: W. Oxberry & Co., 1821. One-color letterpress broadside playbill advertising a show at the Olympic Theatre. Samee, the middle act on the bill, performed various juggling demonstrations with balls and knives, the swallowing and regurgitation of a stone the size of an egg, balancing skills, top spinning, and the “extraordinary feat of swallowing a sword two feet long.” 27 ¾ x 8 ½”, trimmed close. Horizontal creases, light soiling.Born in India, Ramo Samee was arguably the first professional juggler to appear in England, arriving there in 1819. He achieved considerable success with an act that included fire eating, sword swallowing, and magic tricks. His craft was honed as a busker, and was refined in legitimate theaters, but despite his success, Samee died penniless in 1850.