Carnival side show clown TOP HAT worn by famous circus banner painter Johnny Meah. Your opportunity to own a piece of carnival side-show clown history! Yes, that’s Johnny himself in the first picture modeling his well-travelled top hat. This listing includes: 1. A hand-written, signed note about the top hat by Johnny. Three different versions of the same photo of Johnny wearing the top hat. Hat was hand-made, from the Joshua Turner hat company in England. From my research, they operated from the late 1800s until at least the 1930s. Marked 6 5/8 (size) and also marked 55 grams (weight). Also marked N13 7798. Most likely a code or style number from the hat maker. A (very) brief summary of a long life well lived in the carnival business. Johnny Meah was born in 1937 and visited his first carnival when he was 14 years old. He went on to work in multiple roles in carnivals and sideshows as clown, sword swallower and, most famously, banner painter. As one of the last of the living side-show banner artists, his banners continue to command praise and high prices from collectors. He has also authored several books dealing with carnival/side-show life and banners. Among his many accolades, he was inducted into the Coney Island USA’s Sideshow Hall of Fame. He also earned the Sword Swallower’s Association International SSAI Lifetime Achievement Award. He resides in Florida with his wife Mary. For much more on Johnny, search for his name along with showmen’s museum. Hello, my name is Rich. I appreciate my customers and I strongly believe in being fair with everyone. I have enjoyed getting to know a number of eBayers at conventions in Orlando, Boston, New Orleans, and San Jose. I will never knowingly disappoint you. Thanks for looking at my listing and please let me know if I can answer any questions you may have.
