Lot 75
Philadelphia: A. Newman Photographer. Eli Bowen was an American sideshow performer known as "The Legless Wonder", or "The Legless Acrobat". He was also billed as "The Handsomest Man in Showbiz" and the "Wonder of the Wide, Wide World". His peak weight was 140 pounds, his height - 24 inches. Eli Bowen, the Legless Acrobat, was a native of Ohio and the only physically abnormal child in a family of ten children. His condition, phocomelia or "seal limbs", manifested itself in such a way that his feet protruded directly from his pelvis without intervention of any of the bones that would normally make up the leg. Bowen learned to walk on his arms using wooden blocks to provide ground clearance for his hips. The tremendous strength he developed in his arms and chest allowed him to perform all manner of climbing and tumbling stunts. At the age of thirteen, Bowen joined a traveling wagon show. Part of his stage routine consisted of swinging on a tall pole. In the course of his long career he went on to work with many of the premier circuses and dime museums of the day, including those run by Sells Brothers, Adam Forepaugh, and P. T. Barnum. In 1870, Bowen married a 16-year-old beauty, Mattie Haines. Together they produced a family of four boys: Frank, Robert, Adrian and Victor. In later years, Bowen created a sensation when he would team up with Canadian armless wonder Charles Tripp. Together in a famous photograph the two would pilot a tandem bicycle: Bowen steering while Tripp pedaled. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request
- Dimensions: 2.5" x 3.75"
- Condition: Good Condition with some wear (see pics)
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship Worldwide, at Buyer's Expense. PLEASE CONTACT PRIOR TO BIDDING TO ASK FOR SHIPPING QUOTES!!!! Allow a 24 hour period for quotes. Shipping quotes are figured before invoices are sent out. Multiple shipping companies (USPS, UPS, Fedex, Greyhound, etc) will be looked into for the best rate. Large paintings and other large items may be packed by a third party.
One Source Auctions
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 18% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $49 | $5 |
| $50 | $99 | $5 |
| $100 | $199 | $10 |
| $200 | $499 | $25 |
| $500 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 + | $250 |