RARE Antique c1899-1901 Barnum & Bailey Circus Litho STROBRIDGE Karoly Stallions For Sale

Antique Barnum & Bailey circus advertising lithograph dating to the late 19th century, featuring the equestrian act Karoly’s Hungarian Stallions along with Cliffe Berzac’s troupe of comedy ponies and unridable mules.

The artwork carries a visible copyright line reading “Copyright 1899 by The Strobridge Litho Co.”, placing the design in the golden age of American circus advertising.

This piece was printed by The Strobridge Lithographing Company, one of the most important lithographic firms producing advertising for major traveling circuses of the late 1800s and early 1900s, including Barnum & Bailey.

Circus companies frequently reused lithographic artwork for multiple touring seasons, so while the copyright date is 1899, the exact printing year may fall slightly later within the turn-of-the-century touring era (circa 1899–early 1900s).

Unlike the large street posters used for outdoor advertising, this example appears to be a smaller promotional lithograph or program broadside, which were commonly distributed as circus promotional material or inserted into programs for attendees.

The illustration captures the dramatic style of classic circus artwork, highlighting trained horse performances—one of the most popular attractions of the period. Early circus lithographs such as this were printed using traditional stone lithography techniques and are now collected as examples of historic advertising art.

Reverse Side Printing / Advertising Insert:

The reverse side of this piece is fully printed with detailed illustrations and promotional information for Barnum & Bailey’s “Greatest Show on Earth,” including images of the show’s European appearances and the winter quarters at Stoke-on-Trent, England. It also lists impressive statistics of the traveling circus, such as 1,280 persons, 700 horses, 85 double-length rail cars, and 400 performers, along with images depicting the unloading of circus rail cars from ocean steamships.

Because the reverse side contains extensive printed content rather than being blank, this strongly suggests the piece was originally issued as a promotional insert, advertising broadside, or program supplement rather than a standard wall poster. Such inserts were commonly distributed in newspapers, programs, or promotional handouts in the late 19th to early 20th century, making surviving examples particularly scarce.

Measurements:

Approximately 14½ inches tall × 9¾ inches wide.

Condition:

Antique paper showing age and wear consistent with more than a century of age.

Condition notes include:

• edge tears and small paper losses

• creasing and fold wear

• age toning to the paper

Despite the wear, the piece retains strong color and presents well as an authentic example of early circus advertising ephemera.

Please review photos carefully, as they form part of the description.

Collector Notes:

Original Strobridge circus material from the late 19th century remains highly collectible among enthusiasts of antique advertising, circus history, American lithography, and Barnum & Bailey memorabilia.

This piece offers a genuine example of turn-of-the-century circus promotion during the height of traveling circus entertainment.

Historical Note:

The poster bears a visible “Copyright 1899 by The Strobridge Litho Co.” credit. It also advertises Karoly’s Hungarian Stallions as appearing for the “First Time in America.” During the late 1890s, Barnum & Bailey toured extensively throughout Europe (1897–1902), recruiting new performers and equestrian acts before returning to tour the United States.

Circus advertisements of the period frequently promoted newly imported European acts with phrases such as “First Time in America.” Based on the 1899 copyright and the promotion of this European equestrian troupe, this piece most likely dates to the turn-of-the-century touring era, circa 1899–1901.