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Fantastic and VERY rare, 1903 Chromolithograph illustrated American Circus Courier / Souvenir Booklet / Program from Barnum and Bailey’s Traveling Circus titled in full “The Realm / A Magazine of Marvels.”.

This wonderful and colorful Circus Publication measures approx. 6 5/8” by 9 1/2” and contains 96 pages plus its original, chromolithographed paper wraps). The Souvenir Magazine was issued for performances at Albany (New York) on June 4, 1903.

The Program has fantastic, Chromolithograph Covers - the front cover featuring an image of a beautiful, winged, female allegorical figure on horseback. She and her mount are festooned with flowers and she blows a long horn as the horse rises on its hind legs. The rear cover features portraits of Barnum and Bailey with text of various fonts touting the Circus and its appearance at Albany.

The Advance Courier includes extensive text and illustrations about the Barnum & Bailey Circus, Barnum and Bailey themselves, the various acts and performers, the menagerie, and other aspects of the show. This is the first of a number of “Realm” published yearly by the Barnum & Baily Circus and is designated “Volume 1 / No, 3”.

This elaborate and very beautiful, 1903 Barnum & Bailey Circus Advance Courier is from the 1903 Season and published by The Courier Co. of Buffalo, New York. It is bound in its original, chromolithographed paper wraps which are in very good condition - intact and sound with light edge wear and some small spots of scattered light staining. There are two archival tape reinforcements at the spine. The interior pages are in excellent condition - tight, complete and very well preserved overall.

A rare and wonderful piece of 1903, American Traveling Circus History and a fantastic addition to any collection!!

Be sure to check out this seller’s other auctions for other pieces of 19th and early 20th century American Circus related Ephemera which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a reproduction, restrike, reprint, reissue or later copy - this is an original, period, 1903 Circus Advance Courier / On Site Promotional Magazine printed and sold to the public that attended performances in Albany, New York in June of 1903.

Overseas shipping is extra and cost will be quoted at bidders request. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.

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