Melle Clifford, Champion Sword Swallower of the World Cabinet Card. Circa 1900. Cabinet card photograph of the sideshow performer straddling a chair. With poem inscribed verso (possibly by Clifford): “We travel in the springtime, and we travel in the fall, here is my best wishes and a kiss to all." Clifford began swallowing swords at age 13, after learning from sword swallower Delno Fritz. Her greatest successes were in Europe. 4 ¼ x 6 ½". Some discoloration, minor scuffing. Good.