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Description:
Hand Crafted Miniature 3 ring Circus
1/2 inch scale
approx. 160 square feet (8 feet by 20 feet)
558 Figures
132 Horses
78 Other Animals
739 Accessories
14 hand sewn canvas tops
27 indiv wagons/floats
8 hand made teepees
2 rail road cars
163 wood support poles
17 custom made banners
44 flags of all nations
Begun in 1948 and hand crafted over the next 20 years, this one of a kind replica of a 1/2 inch scale miniature circus is a true to life replica of a typical traveling circus of pre-depression America. Some of the highly detailed items in this attraction is a three ring main tent with acrobats performing their life defying act; a continuous side show; a hot dog stand; a carousel that is true to life - from the hand sewn canvas top to the horses that go up and down as the carousel goes around; ferris wheel; a 40 horse parade; a clown's ally; Indian village; cowboy campground; chariot racers; not 1 but 2 a calliopes - a calliope wagon and a "steam calliope", including the coal burning furnace in the back of the wagon; numerous elephants, camels, apes, horses, lions, tigers, giraffes, and floats; even a "doniker", (the circus name for a public bathroom).
Many parts of the display are wired for animation, so 2 of the 3 rings go around, the target practice booth has moving targets, the carousel and ferris wheel perform just like the life sized versions, and more. We include all of the original custom motors but suggest they be re-wired to modern standards.
There are hundreds of "people" through out - some metal, others are made of plastic, glass, and ceramic. Some of the figures are original "Britain's" from England. Others are from Germany, Austria, and of course the good old U.S.A!
After Ormand Cecil, its creator, died, his widow sold the attraction for $1,500 cash. The new owner crafted it to an empty warehouse and never unpacked it - instead he sold it to a collector for $21,000 in late 1900's dollars! When the collector needed funds he put the circus up for sale and two businessmen bid the selling price up to $42,500.
For a short period the exhibit became a traffic builder for a mid-west flea market. Although children and senior were allowed in to see it for free - others paid 50 cents admission. They raised over $60,000 while the attraction was up. (We will include actual newspapers from the time documenting the appearance of this display).
When the flea market closed down it was split up and sold to three different collectors. A man who had missed out on purchasing it then, ultimately tracked down the 3 buyers and united the unit once again. His heirs sold it to a man who wanted to turn it into a traveling exhibit for his wife, (who was a professional clown/magician). When they divorced, some years later, it was sold to its current owner.
| Status: For Sale |
Reference#: 072506QQ99JD |
| Condition:
Excellent |
Year:
1948
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