Lot 285

(3) Ringling Bros. Checks, Ca. 1912-1913, Signed By Al, Charles, & Henry

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(3) Ringling Bros. Checks, Ca. 1912-1913, Signed By Al, Charles, & Henry

Estimate: $300 - $500

Current Bid: $260

(3 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Ringling Bros.
[Baraboo, WI], ca. 1912-1913
(3) Ringling Bros. Checks, Ca. 1912-1913, Signed By Al, Charles, & Henry
DSs

A small group of Ringling Brothers memorabilia including three checks signed by three of the seven Ringling Brothers: Al, Charles, and Henry Ringling. The signed checks are dated March 1912 through November 1913. [Baraboo, Wisconsin.] Ranging in amounts between 300 and 600 dollars, two of the checks were issued to Ringling Brothers - most likely for payroll - and one check was issued to John M. Kelley, the Ringling Brothers General Attorney. All of the checks feature pictorial letterhead, two checks showing the five Ringling Brothers in mustachioed profile; and one with an Art Nouveau style letterhead in scarlet, blue, and gold. Individual condition issues will be elaborated below, but condition is overall very good to near fine, with terrific graphics on the checks! The average size of the checks is 8.625" x 3.25."

Ringling Brothers, spearheaded by five of seven brothers (Al, Gus, Otto, Alf, Charles, John, and Henry), formed a traveling circus company in Baraboo, Wisconsin in 1884. The brothers managed all aspects of the business, from programming, training, and animal husbandry, to finance, administration, and marketing. Ringling Brothers offered inexpensive entertainment for the masses. The spectacular entertainment featured clowns, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, equestrian stunt performers, freak show acts, vaudeville acts, musical performances, and newfangled electrical displays.

The lot includes:

1. Check No. 926, issued from the Bank of Baraboo, Wisconsin on March 11, 1912, and signed by fifth youngest brother Carl "Charles" Ringling (1863-1926) as "Chas Ringling" on the signature line, directed agents to pay $300 to "Jno. M. Kelley." On "Ringling Bros. World's Greatest Shows" letterhead. Stamped at top and endorsed by the check recipient verso. Fellow Wisconsinite John M. Kelley served as the Ringling Brothers general counsel from 1908 until the mid-1930s, when he, along with several other Ringling Brothers employees, was indicted for colluding to defraud the U.S. government of over $3 million in taxes between 1917 and 1932.

2. Check No. 1334, issued from the Bank of Baraboo, Wisconsin on November 30, 1912, and signed by oldest brother Albert "Al" Ringling (1852-1916) as "Al Ringling" on the signature line, directed agents to pay "Ringling Bros" in the amount of $505.10. On "Ringling Bros. World's Greatest Shows" letterhead. Stamped at top and with clerical puncture at the left. A tiny closed tear affecting the right edge.

3. Check No. 2071, issued from the Bank of Baraboo, Wisconsin on November 22, 1913, and signed by youngest brother Henry Ringling (1869-1918) as "Henry Ringling" on the signature line, directed agents to pay "Ringling Bros" in the amount of $600.65. On "Ringling Bros. World's Greatest Shows" letterhead. Pencil-inscribed "Payroll" at top. Stamped at left, and with clerical puncture at the left. Minor mounting traces and small repairs verso.

Fun and festive memorabilia from the apogee of the circus era!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: average size: 8.625" x 3.25"
  • Medium: DSs

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000