P. T. Barnum Paintings & Artwork for Sale | P. T. Barnum Art Value Price Guide

Sep. 25, 2024
P.T. Barnum Signed Note
Est: $100 - $200
Signed P.T. Barnum note on Langham Hotel, Portland Place London Letterhead. Dated July 12th, 1877, signed "Truly Yours" followed by his autograph. Note measures 3" by 3 1/2" as seen within the matting. Note is framed with an image P.T. Barnum above it with frame measuring 10" by 17".
Weiss Auctions
Dec. 02, 2023
P.T. BARNUM'S GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
Est: $50 - $100
RESTRIKE POSTER FEATURING JUMBO THE ELEPHANT. UNMOUNTED, 20"X27"
Freedom Auction Company
Nov. 16, 2023
Circus Showman P.T. Barnum Hand Written Letter
Est: $500 - $5,000
P. T. Barnum Of Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus hand written letter dated February 4, 1861. Photographs and COA. 23 7/8" X 25 7/8". Note: Donley Auctions does not warranty any third party COA's or authenticity.
Donley Auction Services
Apr. 16, 2023
P.T. Barnum Silver Plated Tea Pot w Barnum Crest
Est: $100 - $200
P.T. Barnum silver plated tea pot with Barnum family crest, footed base, decorated with beaded and floral detail. Tea pot spout in form of elephant trunk, teapot lid handle in form of the big top. Makers Mark BR&B NYC. Excellent condition. Measures 9.25" x 4" x 11.5"
Neely Auction
Nov. 06, 2022
P. T. BARNUM BOOK PROMOTION
Est: $80 - $100
P. T. BARNUM BOOK PROMOTION Printed promotional sheet, 2pp. 12 x 10 in., New York [n.d.], a solicitation by publishers W. J. Holland seeking sales agents for their biography of the famous showman, with extensive text enthusiastically describing Barnum and highlighting his exploits. The first page bears an image of Barnum standing beside three elephants standing upon their rear legs as an onlooking lady faints in fear. Top of the sheets is lost, still good condition and frameable.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Aug. 06, 2022
P.T. BARNUM FUNERAL CARD
Est: $200 - $400
ORIGINAL FUNERAL CARD FOR P.T. BARNUM. CONTAINS PRAYERS, HYMNS. STANDARD ASSOCIATION PRINT, 1891.
Freedom Auction Company
Aug. 06, 2022
P.T. BARNUM WITH DWARVES
Est: $200 - $400
PITCH CARD OF P.T. BARNUM WITH TOM THUMB AND WIFE, COMMODORE NUT, MINNIE WARREN. INCLUDES A BIO ON THE REVERSE.
Freedom Auction Company
May. 14, 2022
P. T. Barnum's poster
Est: $600 - $900
P. T. Barnum's poster ''P. T. Barnums Agent Purchasing Wild Animals in Central Africa for the Greatest Show on Earth''- chromolithographic poster, published by H. A. Thomas lith Studio, 865 Broadway, NY, some staining. 21 x 28''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Jan. 06, 2022
P.T. Barnum, Two Shady & Secretive Letters Relating to Land Speculation, "to be destroyed as soon as read"
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
P.T. Barnum, Two Shady & Secretive Letters Relating to Land Speculation, "to be destroyed as soon as read" A pair of letters written by American showman Phineas T. Barnum (1810-1891), featuring a total of three signatures as "P.T. Barnum." The lot is comprised of: 1. A 4pp autograph letter signed by Barnum, the first time as "P.T. Barnum" at the top of the first page, and the second time as "P.T. Barnum" at the bottom of the third page. N.d., n.p., but a former collector pinpoints it to Boston, Massachusetts on September 5, 1855. Inscribed overall on three sheets of stationery, with pages two and three appearing on either side of the same leaf. Slightly deckled left edges, and expected paper folds, else near fine. 5" x 7.75." Barnum's correspondent is believed to be Henry B. Curtis (1799-1885), a lawyer and trusted business adviser from Mount Vernon, Ohio. In the letter-- whose contents were so compromising that the author demanded that they be immediately destroyed--Barnum explains the details of a proposed land speculation deal involving a partner named J.W. Gray (1814-1862), then the Postmaster of Cleveland, Ohio. (Gray had been appointed the Postmaster of Cleveland, Ohio by President Franklin Pierce in 1853, and he held the position until at least 1857.) Barnum asks Curtis to investigate Gray's claims about the risk and reward of the deal, since he mistrusts his potential business partner. Barnum writes in part: "Strictly confidential + Private. This is to be destroyed as soon as read. P.T. Barnum J.W. Gray Esq Post Master at Cleveland has the location of the site for the Custom Houses. He says it is where no person suspects + that it will enhance the adjoining property vastly. He offers to join me in the speculation of buying adjoining property + selling nearly as soon as the location is known + as soon as the property has risen on the strength thereof. If I join him I am to furnish all the funds; which he (I think mildly) supposes should be $50,000, + says we can clear $50,000 in a few months… I hope to hear your decision at your earliest convenient. If the Cleveland folks have already got high notions for the land it may be a poor look to speculate but if as Gray says this is a location not suspected, the chance may be a very capital one if purchases are made low enough… In strict secrecy + confidence + great haste Truly yours P.T. Barnum Of course when we come to business Gray…must sign an agreement to there in profit + loss, and care must be used that there is no double dealing - by getting parties to ask fictitious prices tc. P.S. What I mean by 'double dealing' is this. [Of course you are not to breathe it] We both know that when men are supposed to be wealthy there are always rats who continue all ways to get a nibble at the money bags. - Now it is possible that G. might have 'a wheel within a wheel' - that he might say to a land owner - 'Your price is $27,000. Make it $37,000 don’t take a cent less I will send you a customer at that + then you give me the $10,000.' This point must be watched. I am sorry to say I have had such games played on me by men who pass for men of honor…" 2. A 1p autograph letter signed by Barnum as "P.T. Barnum" at bottom. Written in Boston, Massachusetts on September 8, 1855 on bifold stationery advertising "Barnum's American Museum." Blank inner pages. The whole back page is devoted to promoting a new novelty, "Barnum's Gallery of American Beauty," local tryouts for an international beauty contest. Expected light paper folds, else near fine. Folded measures 5" x 7.625." Barnum addressed this letter to Gray, introducing Curtis, "a wealthy + reliable as well as judicious legal gentleman from Mount Vernon, Ohio…the only living man to whom I have or shall intimate our affairs. You can rely fully on his integrity + secrecy…" The pair of letters amply demonstrate the shrewdness and sensitivity that enabled Barnum to read market conditions, satisfy popular cultural trends, and build his entertainment and real estate empire. Yet sadly, Barnum's business acumen often failed when it came to land speculations such as this one. He invested hundreds of thousands of dollars chasing real estate bubbles over his career and lost substantial sums. Barnum's American Museum had been a cultural fixture in Lower Manhattan since its opening in 1841. The five-story building at Broadway and Ann Streets provided every imaginable entertainment to skeptical New Yorkers: natural history specimens, wax figures, new inventions, relics, demonstrations, little people, fat ladies, and a large array of exotic animals that included a polar bear, anaconda, lion, tiger, alligators, monkeys, tropical birds, and two Beluga whales. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
University Archives
Jan. 06, 2021
P.T. BARNUM AUTOGRAPH W TOM THUMB DISPLAY
Est: $150 - $250
Autograph, 1862 advertising and copy print of General Tom Thumb, contained in 8 by 11 frame. Deemed authentic according to terms.
Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Sep. 26, 2020
P.T. Barnum Greatest Show on Earth Courier. Buffalo: The Co...
Est: $100 - $200
P.T. Barnum Greatest Show on Earth Courier. Buffalo: The Courier Co., ca. 1880s. Eight-page courier, folio (23 x 16”), with many engravings including Jumbo’s skeleton, a “congress of giants,” and other attractions. Brittle newsprint with old tape repairs at folds; some losses, but largely intact.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
May. 04, 2019
P.T. BARNUM'S GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH POSTER
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
1880'S. ORIGINAL BILLING THE LEGEND CAR OF KING REX AND HIS RETINUE OF COMIC MARDI GRAS ATTENDANTS. STROBRIDGE LITHO (ATTR.). MOUNTED ON BOARD WITH VARNISH OVER. MINOR LOSS, REPAIRS AND FOLDS EVIDENT. 32.5"X41" OVERALL.
Freedom Auction Company
Jun. 30, 2018
P.T. Barnum Signature, Place and Inscription
Est: $200 -
P.T. Barnum Signature, Place and Inscription. Signature on 1 x 3" paper with holograph, "Bridgeport Conn May 19 1865 / A.H. Chappell / Truly yours / P.T. Barnum." Paper is stained at upper and lower edges and upper corners trimmed. Paper is affixed to 2 1/4 x 3" cardstock. Estimated Value $200-UP.
Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
May. 19, 2013
P.T. Barnum
Est: $300 - $500
Two Land Deeds 8 1/2" x 11" both signed, dated 1885 and 1887 estimate 300/500
Fairfield Auction, LLC
Dec. 01, 2012
Barnum, P.T.
Est: $400 - $600
Barnum, P.T. Struggles and Triumphs or Sixty Years' Recollections of P.T. Barnum including golden rules for money-marking. Illustrated and brought up to 1889, written by himself. Inscribed "To Paul of Thumb "The Noblest" P.T. Barnum." Also includes carte-de-visite of Mr. and Mrs. Gen. Tom Thumb with P.T. Barnum behind. Overall Fine with the binding slightly loose. Estimated Value $400 - 600.
Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
Aug. 15, 2012
P. T. Barnum
Est: $400 - $600
P. T. Barnum ALS, one page, 5.5 x 8.5, personal letterhead, June 7, 1866. A letter to H. S. Huntley on Barnum's Lindencroft mansion letterhead, declining a speaking invitation. In part: "I expect to sail for Europe early in July and shall not probably be in this country in Sept next. I must therefore decline the honor so respectfully tendered me by the Cattaraugus Co Ag Society through you, inviting me to deliver the annual address before them." In fine condition, with small separations along expected folds.
RR Auction
Aug. 15, 2012
P. T. Barnum
Est: $1,000 - $1,200
P. T. Barnum Vintage sepia 4.25 x 6.5 Mora Studios cabinet photo, signed in the lower border in black ink, "P. T. Barnum, Bridgeport, Ct. June 6th 1888," with Barnum also adding, "Born July 5, 1810." In fine condition, with small ding to left edge and a few trivial surface marks to image. After an 1881 merger with James Bailey and James L. Hutchinson, P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show On Earth, And The Great London Circus, Sanger's Royal British Menagerie and The Grand International Allied Shows United, soon shortened to Barnum & London Circus. He and Bailey split up again in 1885, but came back together in 1888 with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show On Earth, later Barnum & Bailey Circus, which toured around the world. The show's primary attraction was Jumbo, an African elephant he purchased in 1882 from the London Zoo.
RR Auction
Jun. 03, 2010
(P. T. BARNUM) - Current Bid: $50.00
Est: $100 - $150
(P. T. BARNUM) Scarce cabinet photograph of P. T. Barnum's famous giant elephant "Jumbo", 6 1/2" x 4 1/4", the beast shown mouth agape as a handler tosses him a piece of bread. The margins read: "The largest Elephant ever seen by mortal man, wild or in captivity" and "The property of Messrs. Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, cost $30,000". Backstamp by R. Bierstadt, New York. One corner crease. Sold with a second image of an elephant, possibly also Jumbo. Two pieces.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Apr. 06, 2009
[BARNUM, P.T.]
Est: $300 - $500
CRUM, WILLIAM C. History of P.T. Barnum's Fiji Cannibals. (Wrapper title.) [1872.] 16 pp. 16mo (117 x 75 mm). Original illustrated blue wrappers. Pale staining to wrappers.
Bonhams
Apr. 06, 2009
[BARNUM, P.T.]
Est: $250 - $350
P.T. Barnum's Great Travelling Museum Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome ... will open at the Empire Rink ... Easter Monday, April 1, 1872. New York: Torrey Brothers Printers, [1872]. Printed and illustrated playbill, 524 x 115 mm, marginal loss at head, else about fine. Advertises a two-week run of Barnum's attractions. "Among these rare and curious additional novelties are the Four Living Fiji Cannibals...."
Bonhams
Mar. 15, 2007
(BARNUM, P. T.)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
(BARNUM, P. T.) A letter signed by P. T. Barnum Letter measuring 4 1/2 x 7 inches, reads: "New York July 1876 / Mr. P. T. Barnum / Cambridge Mass. / Mr Dear Sir. / Would you please favor me with your autograph / as I would not consider / my collection complete without it. / Your ob'l serv't / S. W. Herrmann / No. 18 E. 60th St. / N. Y. City" and signed "Truly Yours / P. T. Barnum / July 29th 1876". Verso of letter reads: "New York Sept. '78 / Hon. U. S. Grant / Dear Sir / Will you please favor / me with your autograph / as I am very anxious / to have it to save / as you will undoubtedly / have already noticed / by my __ writing / __ you __". Pencil notations to verso of letter; 1/8 hole to letter, which does not affect the text. Additional paper measuring 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches, reads: "Barnum's Museum / New York Jan. 25 1868 / Mr. E. H. Shannon / Truly Yours / P. T. Barnum". Fading to paper; otherwise a sound set.
Hindman
Mar. 15, 2007
BARNUM, P. T.
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
BARNUM, P. T. Struggles and Triumphs; or, Forty Years' Recollections of P. T. Barnum. Buffalo, New York: Warren, Johnson & Co., 1873 8vo., brown cloth boards. Author's Edition. Contains 2 A. L. S. by P. T. Barnum tipped-in. First reads: "Private / Sunday P.M. / Friend Ottarson - I last night recd. a newspaper containing a call headed by the Mayor of Bridgeport & signed by 300 citizens, for a meeting tomorrow (Monday) night, to sympathise with me. It is the first I had heard of it. I have no doubt there will be good speeches resolutions &c- If you will go or send a man by 11 1/2 oclock train from Canal St I will pay all expences. He can return same night arriving in N.Y. about midnight. By going to the Stanley House in Bridgeport, carriages &c will be furnished free. / Truly Yours / P. T. Barnum". Second reads: "Monday Morning / Mr Ottarson / I learned by Telegraph that on a/c of the storm the Bridgeport meeting is postponed to Wednesday night. / Truly yours / P. T. Barnum". Newspaper clipping dated June 12, 1960 from the Sunday News laid-in. Wear to edges and extremes of boards and backstrip; fading and soiling to boards and backstrip; light foxing and fading to text.
Hindman
Mar. 15, 2007
BARNUM, P. T.
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
BARNUM, P. T. Struggles and Triumphs; or, Forty Years'' Recollections of P. T. Barnum. Buffalo, New York: Warren, Johnson & Co., 1873 8vo., brown cloth boards. Author''s Edition. Contains 2 A. L. S. by P. T. Barnum tipped-in. First reads: "Private / Sunday P.M. / Friend Ottarson - I last night recd. a newspaper containing a call headed by the Mayor of Bridgeport & signed by 300 citizens, for a meeting tomorrow (Monday) night, to sympathise with me. It is the first I had heard of it. I have no doubt there will be good speeches resolutions &c- If you will go or send a man by 11 1/2 oclock train from Canal St I will pay all expences. He can return same night arriving in N.Y. about midnight. By going to the Stanley House in Bridgeport, carriages &c will be furnished free. / Truly Yours / P. T. Barnum". Second reads: "Monday Morning / Mr Ottarson / I learned by Telegraph that on a/c of the storm the Bridgeport meeting is postponed to Wednesday night. / Truly yours / P. T. Barnum". Newspaper clipping dated June 12, 1960 from the Sunday News laid-in. Wear to edges and extremes of boards and backstrip; fading and soiling to boards and backstrip; light foxing and fading to text.
Hindman
Mar. 15, 2007
(BARNUM, P. T.)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
(BARNUM, P. T.) A letter signed by P. T. Barnum Letter measuring 4 1/2 x 7 inches, reads: "New York July 1876 / Mr. P. T. Barnum / Cambridge Mass. / Mr Dear Sir. / Would you please favor me with your autograph / as I would not consider / my collection complete without it. / Your ob''l serv''t / S. W. Herrmann / No. 18 E. 60th St. / N. Y. City" and signed "Truly Yours / P. T. Barnum / July 29th 1876". Verso of letter reads: "New York Sept. ''78 / Hon. U. S. Grant / Dear Sir / Will you please favor / me with your autograph / as I am very anxious / to have it to save / as you will undoubtedly / have already noticed / by my __ writing / __ you __". Pencil notations to verso of letter; 1/8 hole to letter, which does not affect the text. Additional paper measuring 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches, reads: "Barnum''s Museum / New York Jan. 25 1868 / Mr. E. H. Shannon / Truly Yours / P. T. Barnum". Fading to paper; otherwise a sound set.
Hindman
Mar. 15, 2007
BARNUM, P. T.
Est: $100 - $200
BARNUM, P. T. Funny Stories Told by Phineas T. Barnum, "A Fellow of Infinite Jest". London: George Routledge and Sons, 1890 8vo., illustrated red cloth boards, gilt lettering to backstrip. First Edition. Wear to edges and extremes of boards and backstrip; light fading and light soiling to boards; fading to backstrip; text clean.
Hindman
Dec. 12, 2006
[BARNUM, P. T.]
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Santa Claus and Jenny Lind. New York: John R. M'Gown & Co., [1850] 12mo (5 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.; 144 x 115 mm.). Pictorial title, presentation leaf, engraved text illustrations, text framed by a rustic border of knotty wood, last page with publisher's advertisement; some soiling and spotting. Publisher's yellow pictorial wrappers; soiled and spotted, tear in backstrip. LITERATURE Grolier/Elliott 55, illustrated p. 44; Elliott, Inventing Christmas, p. 36 NOTE "Lindomania" and Santa Claus. In September of 1850, P. T. Barnum began a nationwide tour with a Swedish opera singer that would create a cultural phenomenon, familiar to us from "Beatlemania" and the like, but new at that time. Barnum succeeded in building such great anticipation for the "Swedish Nightingale" [recall "the Fab Four"] that 40,000 people greeted the arrival of her ship in New York. Throughout the tour, Barnum fueled public fascination with Lind by orchestrating events and negotiating Lind-endorsed and Lind-related products, including Jenny Lind songs, clothes, chairs and pianos. Media coverage focused on the singer's personal qualities rather than her singing abilities: she was a thoughtful, selfless, churchgoing young woman, whom audiences clamored to see because of her "noble character." The present pamphlet embodies all the characteristics of a Barnum-produced, Lind-related product for Christmas. Adorned with odd illustrations signed by W.M. & J.T. Howland or John D. Felter, Santa is depicted as a maniacal Napoleon rather than our familiar rotund white-beard. In the poem, Santa travels through the land, throughout the year (not just on Christmas Eve), giving presents to deserving boys and girls. As Christmas Eve approaches, he prepares his pockets full of presents: "One pocket I fill with some books, very nice; | They tell pretty stories--I heed not the price." While riding along on his broomstick at Christmas Eve, he hears a sweet song and, flying down the chimney, meets Jenny Lind who agrees to travel with him. She will sing for the children while he gives them presents. Once, while she is singing, he leaves her in a valley to alight on a mountain top where he cries: "I am dancing a jig; I am having a freak." Children should not question Miss Lind's modesty, though she travels un-chaperoned with a gentleman: "My dear little girls, don't be jealous and sad | I'm sure you will soon be quite happy and glad; | For I am not married to Jenny--oh! no: | She scarce would accept me one night for a beau. | She has a kind heart, and she loves to do good; | I told her a song would enliven the mood, | And all of the children most happy would be-- | 'Oh! then,' said Miss Jenny, 'I will go with thee.'"
Sotheby's
Dec. 14, 2005
P.T.Barnum
Est: £300 - £500
An autograph letter, signed, March 15th, 1869 concerning various literary agencies and bureaux, signed P.T.Barnum 1p. with a half-page post script on verso initialled P.T.B.; and an accompanying note, presumably from the addressee, a lecture agent, mentioning ...Barnum was a fine fellow...
Christie's
Sep. 12, 2005
P.T. Barnum
Est: $150 - $300
P.T. Barnum, handwritten and signed letter to Colonel Grammis of Bridgeport (Grandfather of current owner), letter is stamped "March 24, 1876" and is in original Bridgeport City seal envelope (P.T. Barnum was the Mayor of Bridgeport at the time).
Winter Associates, Inc.