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Up for sale is a magnificent, original early 20th-century American circus poster printed by the renowned Donaldson Lithographing Company of Newport, Kentucky. This striking piece of Americana features their classic "Stock Tent Exterior / Main Entrance" artwork, capturing a bustling, detailed crowd gathered outside a massive canvas big top tent.Printed using traditional full-color stone lithography, the colors remain wonderfully vibrant, showcasing the distinct texture and depth characteristic of Donaldson's legendary commercial work. The bottom-left corner retains the sharp, authentic printer's mark and production serial number 4497.Framing & Provenance:The poster comes housed in a vintage wooden frame with a wide, peach-toned mat board, originally framed by The Framing Barn in Philadelphia, PA.Condition Report (Important - Please Read):This poster is being sold strictly as-is in its current vintage condition, unexamined outside of the frame.• Repaired Tear: There is a visible, stabilized curved tear located in the upper blue sky portion of the print above the flags (please see close-up photos for exact visual detail).• Backing Paper Water Staining: The dust cover backing paper on the reverse side of the frame exhibits prominent historic water staining along the right edge. While the visible front face of the poster displays beautifully, the hidden right edge border may carry ripples or discoloration from past moisture exposure.• No Linen Backing: This print is in its raw, original state as framed and has not undergone archival linen-backing or professional restoration.
This is a spectacular, large-format display piece perfect for collectors of vintage advertising, carnival history, or early American lithography. Due to the large size (26" x 42.75") and the fragile nature of the glass and vintage frame, Local Pickup is highly preferred to guarantee safe delivery.
Item Specifics:• Type: Original Vintage Circus Poster (Stock Tent Exterior)• Publisher: The Donaldson Lithographing Co. (Newport, KY)• Estimated Date: c. 1910s• Medium: Full-Color Stone Lithography / Chromolithography• Framed Dimensions: Approx. 26" x 42"• Plate/Serial Number: 4497
