Lot 1992
Cole Bros. Circus. [1930s to 1940s], 22½ x 42 in. Photo offset. Erie Litho & Ptg. Co., Erie, PA. Featuring an enormous "Blood Sweating Hippopotamus From The River Nile." Small inset portraits of the Cole Brothers are in the upper left corner. Condition: Professionally restored to A-. The blood-sweating effect was achieved by feeding the hippo water that was dyed red. "Fantasy" animals such as these were not unusual, as circuses were always looking for something unique--an animal or an act--which no other circus had. John Ringling once paid $100,000 for a very rare (and real) albino elephant--an enormous amount in the 1920s--only to find that other circuses were painting elephants white and calling them "albino." When it rained and the "albino" elephants lost their color, everyone assumed that Ringling's elephant was also a fake. Needless to say, Ringling was enraged that his very expensive investment was rendered worthless.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
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| Realized $345 |
