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1947–1948 COLE BROS CIRCUS ARCHIVE
42 Original Vintage Photographs
40 Inscribed and/or Autographed in Period Ink
Plus Signed Program & Ephemera
Offered here is a substantial and historically important 1947–1948 Cole Bros. Circus archive scrapbook containing 42 original vintage black & white photographs, of which 40 are inscribed and/or autographed in period ink.
This is not a loose grouping — this is a cohesive, season-assembled circus archive from the 1947–48 touring years.
In addition to the photographs, the album includes an autographed program along with magazines, printed act inserts, and supporting circus ephemera from the same period.
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CONTENTS INCLUDE:
• 42 original 1940s black & white photographs (not reproductions)
• 40 photographs inscribed and/or signed in period ink
• Multiple photographs dated 1947 and 1948
• Identified Cole Bros Circus performers and acts
• Animal acts including elephants, seals, sea lions
• Behind-the-scenes circus lot scenes
• Signed performer portraits
• Autographed program material
• Printed program pages and act displays
• Shrine Temple 1948 Divan pages (provenance context)
• Original scrapbook album housing all material
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IDENTIFIED PERFORMERS & ACTS INCLUDE:
• Massimiliano Truzzi – Signed & dated 1948
• Paul Nelson’s Riding Seal – Inscribed Cole Bros July 1947
• Otto Guidelberg – Signed 1947
• The Ivanovs – Signed 1948
• Mustafa Troupe – Signed 1948
• Clyde Patterson – Signed elephant photograph
• Additional circus performers from the 1947–48 season
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CONDITION
Album shows honest age wear consistent with a 1940s scrapbook.
Photographs remain intact with visible period inscriptions and signatures.
Mounting corners, tape remnants, and scrapbook wear present as expected.
All material appears period and original to the 1947–48 timeframe.
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WHY THIS COLLECTION STANDS OUT
Forty period-inscribed circus performer photographs from the late 1940s — preserved together — is extremely uncommon.
This is a documented mid-century Cole Bros Circus archive with performer autographs, original photographs, and supporting printed material retained together for over 75 years.
A true circus history archive.
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SHIPPING
Album will be carefully supported, protected, and securely shipped to preserve the integrity of the contents.
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BUY WITH CONFIDENCE
Purchase with confidence from a long-established, trusted seller with over 33,000 positive response. I take pride in accurately describing historic items and packaging them carefully to ensure safe delivery. Please review all photographs and feel free to reach out with any questions prior to purchase.
