An amazing ephemeral find, this old circus advertising trade card dates from the late 1800s. Die cut into the shape of a butterfly, the antique Victorian era advertisement is packed with spectacular information about W. Cole’s Great Circus. The small paper ad proclaims the W. Cole circus is “The Largest on Earth” and “Boundless as the Universe” and promises the attendee. 500 snakes, Great Manager of Wild Beasts, 1000 Men, A Gallery of Wax Statuary, Aerial Bicycle Riding, Daring Sensational Feats, 500 Horses, Menagerie of Trained Beasts.. It’s astonishing it has survived well-over 125 years. The only other reference I can find to this antique circus ad is in the Victorian trade card collection of the Florida State University Library. The small colorful die cut butterfly is printed on paper. The vintage circus advertisement shows wear consistent with its age and use. A tiny tip of one wing has chipped away, there is a small tear on a “W” near the butterfly’s head, and some tape residue along the top edge. 5 3/8″ x 2 3/4″.
