Scarce early original vintage hand signed Cabinet Card photograph of famous circus legless performer Eli Bowen.

He is shown here posing her with his wife, children and pet goat.

Eli Bowen (October 14, 1844 – May 4, 1924) was an American sideshow performer known as "The Legless Wonder", or "The Legless Acrobat". He was also billed as "The Handsomest Man in Showbiz".

In 1876, Bowen joined Pullman Brothers Side Show, and after three years Cooper, Bailey & Co. In 1897, he performed for Barnum & Bailey Circus in England. He was billed as "The Legless Acrobat", and became famous for his acrobatic work on top of a thirteen-foot pole.
Sometimes, he collaborated with Armless Wonder Charles Tripp. They both pedaled and steered a tandem bicycle. Bowen's artistic life with small carnival sideshows and big circuses run by James Anthony Bailey and P. T. Barnum spanned half a century. At age 79 he continued to work for Coney Island Dreamland Circus Side Show.
This is a vintage photograph and not a copy or reproduction.

Cabinet Card photograph measures 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 inches and is in very good condition with corner bumps and tack hole at top. There are no bends, tears, or creases and is the image very sharp and has strong tones with good contrast and clarity.  

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