Posted 14 years ago
sawyer20
(2 items)
numbers on posters
Felix- P10-1933
Panther- P18-118
Tiger & Lion- P21-121
We live in Sarasota Fl. area where Ringling is all around us and we have not been able to find any info on our posters. Any info would be welcomed.
I am not an expert on circus memorabilia, but Larry Kellogg is. He has an article on Worthpoint.com that he wrote in late 2008 on the value of circus posters with a focus on Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey reproductions. If we look at the Felix Adler poster (P10-1933), he gives the following information. Ringling Bros decided in 1971 to reissue a number of their historical posters. The first issue measured around 17 " X 23", and the order information appeared in the corner of the poster and was prefaced with the letter "P". The 100th anniversary souvenir program listed the Adler poster as P-1933. This numbering does not match the numbers that you give for the posters you have, however the numbers are present in his article as representative of the 105th anniversary series. In the case of the Adler poster, the order number was listed as P10-1933. The size of these posters is listed as 23.5" X 36". The order number and the size of the poster indicate that the poster is a reproduction. The original posters were printed in sheets with the most common size being one sheet or one half sheet. A single sheet is a standard printer's 28" X 42". He values all of these reproductions at less than $5.00. Because you live in Florida, these reproductions are more numerous than other parts of the country. Ringling Bros B & B Circus World was a source for these posters during the 70's.
I can recommend Wikipedia for informative articles on Frank Bartlet Adler and Jumbo the Elephant. I am much better versed on circus oddities and clowns, and I can assure you that Adler has a long list of firsts attached to his career. Jumbo is also historic in circus lore.
These were found hidden in a wall of an old house in massachusetts. The house dated back to the 1800's.
Felix poster P-10 1933 is now over 70 years old, and I know they are reproductions but the comments of these being worth $5.00 is too conservative.
Mine is quite a conversation piece when vistors see it overlooking my pool table.
While these are common reproductions from the 1970s-80s, and can be purchased for a only a few dollars on eBay and other sources, the framing certainly gives them additional value. Plus - as you mention they are great conversation pieces, therefore if they give you enjoy them the value can be priceless!