The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

Lot comprised of 10 CDVs of circus performers and side show acts. Photographers/publishers include Brady, Anthony, Fredricks & Co., and Eisenmann. Conditions overall good, with occasional toning, soiling, fading, edge/corner wear to mounts. Highlights include:

CDV of Ann Leak, armless sideshow performer, autographed on verso (using her feet): "This is toe-writing. / Ann E. Leak. / Born without arms. / Zebulon Pike Co. / Age 29 yrs Georgia / Dec. 27, 1870." Photographer unknown (fading to print, edge and corner wear to mount, including chipping and slight loss at top right). Ann Leak was the first of six children born to Wesley and Eleanor Leak. The doctor predicted she would not survive, but she did. She got off to a slow start developmentally, but eventually learned to do with her feet nearly everything others did with their hands. She could even sew and braid hair. When the family lost everything in the Civil War, she began providing for herself and her family, first by giving classes in braiding, then by showing her many "foot skills." She worked for Barnum's American Museum, then took to traveling independently around the East. She sold these foot-signed souvenirs and her autobiography to supplement the income at her shows.

5 CDVs of Tom Thumb, his wife Lavinia Warren, and their child, including images from the "Fairy Wedding" by Brady/Anthony. -- Madame Sherwood, "Giant Lady." -- And 3 others.