Details
Description
Vintage 1945 Cole Bros. Circus "The Antaleks" Original Lithograph Poster
(Similar original 1940s Cole Bros. circus posters and "The Antaleks" …
Read more
Vintage 1945 Cole Bros. Circus "The Antaleks" Original Lithograph Poster
(Similar original 1940s Cole Bros. circus posters and "The Antaleks" one-sheet print lots typically fetch estimates and realized auction values between $200 and $350 depending on condition and linen backing.)
This piece is a scarce, authentic vintage U.S. one-sheet lithograph from 1945 featuring "The Antaleks," highlighted as "The Most Daring Act of Its Kind in the World." Circus posters from the mid-1940s—especially those showcasing iconic headline acts for the legendary Cole Bros. Circus—are increasingly rare survivors of mid-century ephemera and vintage entertainment history.
Why is it worth the price?
Original mid-century circus lithographs command solid collector interest, with similar Cole Bros. posters consistently achieving auction and retail values in the $200 to $350 range. Its verified mid-1940s era, striking multi-color lithography, and strong graphic appeal make it a desirable investment for collectors of vintage advertising and circus memorabilia.
The poster features vivid, classic mid-century red, blue, and yellow lithography on vintage paper stock. It showcases a dramatic illustration of the acrobatic Antaleks troupe performing their high-wire balancing act. It is in vintage unmounted condition, displaying fold lines, characteristic edge wear, and signs of age-appropriate patina, making it an ideal candidate for professional linen backing and framing.
What is its background or history?
Dating to 1945, this poster was produced for the Cole Bros. Circus, one of America's premier traveling tent circuses of the 20th century. Featured acts like
The Antaleks drew massive crowds during the post-WWII era, when traveling shows experienced a massive resurgence in popularity across the United States.
What details would be useful for a potential buyer to know?
Period: 1945 (dated July 1945 annotations visible on face)
Type: Original U.S. one-sheet circus lithograph poster
Dimensions: Standard one-sheet size (approx. 28" x 42")
Condition Note: Sold unmounted with original folds and expected vintage wear consistent with age and field use.
See less
- Dimensions
- 28ʺW × 1ʺD × 42ʺH
- Styles
- Gothic Revival
- Art Subjects
- Still Life
- Frame Type
- Unframed
- Period
- Mid 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Lithograph
- Paper
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Blue
- Condition Notes
- Good Wear consistent with age and use. Condition Note: Sold unmounted with original folds and expected vintage wear consistent with … moreGood Wear consistent with age and use. Condition Note: Sold unmounted with original folds and expected vintage wear consistent with age and field us less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
Related Collections
- Le Corbusier Posters
- Posters in Naples, FL
- Silk Posters
- Baroque Posters
- Posters in Savannah
- Screen Print Posters
- Marc Chagall Posters
- Mark Rothko Posters
- Mid-Century Modern Posters
- Pablo Picasso Posters
- French Posters
- Art Deco Posters
- Milton Avery Posters
- Peter Max Posters
- Lee Krasner Posters
- Museum Posters
- Japanese Posters
- Polish Posters
- Keith Haring Posters
- Posters in Los Angeles
- Framed Posters
- Woodcut Posters
- Posters in Orlando