Flamboyant showman whose exotic exhibits included midget Tom Thumb, Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind, and the counterfeit Feejee Mermaid. Original vintage sepia 2.5 x 4.25 CDV bust portrait photo of Barnum by Warren’s Portraits of Boston (and so labeled on reverse), signed in the lower border in fountain pen, “P. T. Barnum,” signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Rudolph Kest - with compliments of P. T. Barnum,” and again signed and inscribed on the reverse, “To my friend Rudolph Kest, Esq. with kind regards, P. T. Barnum, March 31, 1876.” In fine condition, with inscription on image side a bit cramped and scattered foxing to image, and an unobtrusive semicircular impression. All three signatures remain striking in their clarity. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
