WHAT: Q: What collectible is 28 feet long, weighs more than 13,000 pounds and just sold for $250,000? A: I don’t know, but you’re not going to fit it in your vitrine!
MORE: When a 28-foot circus wagon dubbed the “Two Hemispheres” brought $250,000 in a recent sale of Americana and political memorabilia at Heritage Auctions, the event was a perfect fit. Little could be more all-American than a circa 1903 Barnum & Bailey wagon that required a team of 40 horses when it was first seen in a grand parade welcoming “The Greatest Show on Earth” home from a five-year world tour.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Circus memorabilia collectors thrive on the romance, action and smells of old-time circuses. The more flash and color the better in posters, costumes, backdrops, advertising and, yes, wagons.
HOT TIP: The historic wagon is decorated with carvings from the workshop of renowned carver Samuel Robb, who is best known as one of the premier makers of 19th century cigar store Indians. The price is the highest ever achieved for a circus wagon.
BOTTOM LINE: You never know what will appeal to a collector. The collecting bug bites for all tastes and sizes, even a mammoth circus wagon. Who knows —maybe the buyer will pop for a calliope next time! The Canadian buyer, who flew to Dallas just to buy the piece, will announce plans for the wagon at a later date.
