1898 Francesco Lentini Three-Legged Boy Original Sideshow Photo Circus RARE For Sale

RARE 1898 FRANCESCO “FRANK” LENTINI – THE THREE-LEGGED BOY – ORIGINAL SIDESHOW PHOTOGRAPH – HAND IDENTIFIED & DATEDOffered here is an exceptionally early original photograph believed to depict Francesco A. “Frank” Lentini (1889–1966), the celebrated Sicilian-born sideshow performer famously billed as “The Three-Legged Boy” and later “The Three-Legged Man.”The photograph is particularly noteworthy because the reverse bears an old handwritten identification that appears to read:“Francisco Lentini
Big Boy
Sept. 15, 1898”The exact September 15, 1898 date makes this an especially early image of Lentini, who would have been approximately nine years old.Lentini was born with a parasitic twin and had a third leg and additional foot. He became one of the best-known sideshow performers of his generation and ultimately appeared with major American circus organizations.In this striking full-length portrait, the young performer is shown in elaborate theatrical costume, posed so that his unusual anatomy is prominently displayed. The image has the character of an early promotional or exhibition photograph.CONDITIONPlease examine all photographs carefully.This photograph is in poor/fair antique condition with substantial age and handling wear. There is significant surface abrasion and image loss, particularly across the face and upper portion of the photograph, along with creasing, cracking, staining, edge/corner wear and losses to the mount.The condition issues are clearly visible and are reflected in the sale starting price.Despite the condition, the subject remains recognizable, the unusual full-length pose is visible, and—most importantly—the reverse retains the early handwritten identification and September 15, 1898 date.No restoration has been attempted.An unusual opportunity for collectors of Francesco Lentini, circus and sideshow history, Victorian photography, human curiosities, cabinet photographs and 19th-century entertainment ephemera.Original period photograph — not a modern reproduction.Please use the enlarged photographs as an integral part of the condition description and offer accordingly