Lot 211
SIGNED Vintage 1930's Martha Hunter and Baby Gorillas Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus Real Photo Postcard
SIGNED Vintage 1930's Martha Hunter and Baby Gorillas Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus Real Photo Postcard
Starting Bid: $25
(0 Bids)Hand signed in blue ink by Martha G. Hunter. Ringling Bros. heavily promoted gorilla acts during this timeframe. The most notable was Gargantua the Great (acquired in 1937) and his designated mate, M'Toto. Young gorillas were often featured in promotional materials, sideshows, and specialty postcards to drum up public interest before the primates reached full maturity. Who Was Martha Hunter? Far from an anonymous model, Martha Hunter was an anthropologist hired by Ringling Bros. vice president Henry Ringling North as a specialized "gorilla nurse" and babysitter. She was tasked with caring for the circus's highly valuable, delicate young primatesspecifically Gargantua II and Mademoiselle Toto. Hollywood Connection: She became so well known for her role that she actually appeared as herself (the gorilla trainer) in the opening scenes of Cecil B. DeMilles Academy Award-winning 1952 circus film, The Greatest Show on Earth. Rarity: While thousands of the standard K29 postcards were printed and sold as souvenirs in the late 1940s and early 1950s, copies hand-signed by Hunter herself are uncommon. Performers would typically sign these at the merchandise stands or near the sideshow tents for eager fans. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the 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
- Condition: Excellent Condition
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| 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 | $9,999 | $250 |
| $10,000 + | $500 |