This is a rare collection of 8 truly amazing contact prints made from original glass negatives for images taken in the 1800s by the legendary pioneering photographer Matthew Brady and featuring the great showman P.T. Barnum, and several of his most famous "freaks".  These prints were released in a mini-archive titled "The World of Phineas T. Barnum" published as a  limited edition by Time/LIFE books in 1977.  The case here is missing, but all 8 high quality original prints are included as well as the signed certificate of authenticity from Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt. This is Number 43 of 5,000 portfolios.   All photos in the portfolio are guaranteed vintage original from the published Time/LIFE collection of Meserve's Archives, not duplicates.  Images include: P.T. Barnum and Ernestine de Faiber; Isaac Sprague, the Living Skeleton; Chang and Eng Bunker the Siamese Twins; Anna Swan the giantess; Mrs. Myers, the Bearded Lady; James Murphy, the Irish Giant; Jane Campbell, the Fat Lady; Tom Thumb and wife Lavinia.  The eight large overall portfolio pages are size approx 10x13 inches, all in excellent condition with gorgeous, rich detail in each.  One bonus larger 7x9 photo of Barnum is included,  and it has a bit of emulsion missing at the top and bottom (as shown in photo next to the certificate).  Of course the watermarks "ebay" and "screengems" do not appear on the actual items.   RARE!!

We ship Worldwide.  Winning bidder pays $14.00  shipping (includes Priority Mail box and Delivery Confirmation). Please email me with any questions you may have about the above item before bidding.   Please make sure you are serious about buying this item! Payment is due within 2 days of close of auction or item may be resold.  Please check out my other memorabilia auctions...you may see something else you like, and I will combine other flat items to save you on shipping. I gladly ship internationally, but please note that shipping costs will be much higher and require signature or insurance. Due to the rare nature of the archive, all photograph sales are final.