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An original 4x3" antique photo (NOT a modern reprint) from a collection of well documented Hagenbeck-Wallace circus photos. This photo originated from the personal collection of Joseph Bradbury, noted circus historian and collector.
Provenance: Joseph Bradbury was a renowned circus historian and a president of the Circus Historical Society who specialized in the documentation of circus equipment and wagons. He is widely recognized for his extensive research and photography, which preserved the history of early 20th-century shows. We acquired this from his estate at sale.
Photo Overview
This striking 1923 photograph captures an elaborately carved and decorated circus parade wagon belonging to the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, one of America\'s premier traveling shows of the early 20th century. The wagon is a masterpiece of the wagon-builder\'s art, featuring deeply carved scrollwork, acanthus leaves, animal figures, and a prominent oval medallion panel - all hallmarks of the finest American circus wagon craftsmanship of the era. The ornate spoked wheels with their decorative hubs are themselves works of art. Circus tent canvas is visible in the background, placing this image firmly within a circus lot setting.
The back of the photo identifies this as an \'Elk Buffalo Tab\' wagon - a tableau wagon depicting elk and buffalo imagery - dated 1923. This photo comes from the personal collection of Joseph Bradbury, a renowned circus historian and president of the Circus Historical Society, who dedicated his life to documenting circus wagons and equipment. This is a rare firsthand documentation of one of the most ornate wagon types in the Hagenbeck-Wallace fleet.
Historical Notes
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus was one of the \'Big Four\' American circuses of the early 20th century, operating under the American Circus Corporation umbrella alongside Sells-Floto, John Robinson, and Sparks. The show\'s magnificent parade wagons were largely the product of the Sebastian Wagon Works and other premier builders of the era. In 1929, the American Circus Corporation - and with it the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus - was purchased by John Ringling, who absorbed it into the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey operation. Many of the show\'s prized wagons survived in various states and are now among the most sought-after artifacts of the golden age of American circus. Some Hagenbeck-Wallace wagons ultimately found their way to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where they are preserved as irreplaceable examples of American folk art and craftsmanship.
Browse our complete Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus photograph collection.
Text Present
Front of photo (lower right corner, in blue ink): 85
Back of photo (upper right, pencil): 1923
Back of photo (center, blue ink, circled): (Melvin)
Back of photo (lower center, pencil): Elk Buffalo Tab
Back of photo (lower right, faint stamp): 23
Print analysis
This is a small-format (4x3 inch) sepia-toned silver gelatin print consistent with 1920s photographic materials. The sepia tone, paper stock, and image character all suggest this is a Type 1 original print made close in time to 1923 when the photo was taken. There are no later printing stamps or markings to suggest otherwise. The provenance from the Joseph Bradbury estate further supports its authenticity as a period original.
Condition
Please see photos for condition. In fair to good vintage condition.
