RARE ANTIQUE CIRCUS CDV - FAMOUS EARLY AMERICAN CLOWN \"BILLY ANDREWS\" MUST READ

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RARE ANTIQUE CIRCUS CDV - FAMOUS EARLY AMERICAN CLOWN \"BILLY ANDREWS\" MUST READ:
$150.00

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RARE ANTIQUE CIRCUS CDV - PHOTO OF FAMOUS EARLY AMERICAN CLOWN \"BILLY ANDREWS\" - You are offerding on a very rare CDV of a legendary early American Circus Clown named, \"Billy Andrews\" circa 1860\'s. He is dressed in the traditional attire worn by another similar early clown named \"George L. Fox.\" The costume was heavily embroidered with designs on his leotard outfit. He held his silly hat he would wear during his performances in one hand and wore his off stage hat for this particular portrait.

Here is a small bio on this famous circus clown:

Billy Andrews was Born 1840? and Died in 1895. Billy was a clown with Orton Brothers Circus 1865-68, then with John W. Robinson\'s (not \"Old John\") in 1870. He then went to Haight in 1871, Great Eastern Circus in 1872 and then to the American Circus in 1873. He partnered with Wootten for a circus troupe in 1873, then Basye\'s in 1879 and returned from retirement to fill engagements with the St. Louis Circus in the winters of 1879-1880. He acted as a press agent and clown in Thornton\'s 1880 as well. Finally a returning to a clown role in 1881 with Shelby, Pullman and Hamilton Circus in 1881. His wife was Lotino Andrews. Billy died Kankakee, IL. in an insane asylum, as did many other clowns of this era.

Important foot note: I have done some online research regarding the fact that many early American Circus Clowns unfortunately were victims of their own face paint. I have read about a number of these legendary performers all being institutionalized in insane asylums until their deaths, including George L. Fox I have mentioned above.\"Those Crazy Clowns\" were simply victims from years of exposure to painting their faces over the years.The white face paint was found to contain high levels of lead which eventually poisoned the majority of these men.In fact, I have read that lead used inside white face paint, was not removed until around the 1920\'s. So no wonder people today consider most clowns to have a very creepy disposition about them, \"Many of these funny men people enjoyed at the circus, actually went insane!\"

CONDITION:Please view my detailed photos for the actual condition of the image and as part of my description. The CDV contains excellent contrast, tonal range and sharpness, especially for its age. The front has \"Billy Andrews\" stamped at the bottom of the mount and there is no photographers mark on the backside. Other than a few minor creases and some stains at the top and bottom of the mount, the image is in very good condition without being trimmed and excellent corners. A very rare circus legend, who\'s life was ended in a tragic way is what you are considering. I am sure this photograph will be cherished by any fellow American Circus collector. Good luck!

Please feel free to view my other items I have listed in my store!See \"ABOUT ME\"; click the \"me\" icon next to my ID nic-o-matic for more information regarding my new website of 19th Century Photographic imagery I have for sale.United States buyers only please! Foreign buyers may request approval to offer several days in advance prior to the end of my sales and must agree to my foreign sales terms!I am proud to have been a member of the community since 2001. Please note my 100% positive response record and please offer with confidence. Please ask all questions prior to offerding. I truly strive to make your experience an enjoyable one.

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RARE ANTIQUE CIRCUS CDV - FAMOUS EARLY AMERICAN CLOWN \"BILLY ANDREWS\" MUST READ:
$150.00