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Rare original circa 1960 vintage publicity photograph from the Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. Circus featuring equestrian performer Sonia Alou-Gonzalez mounted on a rearing horse during performance inside the big top. This dramatic black-and-white circus image captures the spectacle and glamour of classic American railroad circus entertainment during the golden age of traveling shows.
Research confirms that Sonia Alou Gonzalez appeared in official Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. Circus route books and personnel listings during the 1960–1961 seasons, helping firmly date and authenticate the era of this piece. While not a headline circus celebrity, she appears to have been part of the circus equestrian performance roster, making this a legitimate and historically connected piece of mid-century circus memorabilia.
The photograph appears to be an original professional promotional print from Town & Country Photographers of Chicago, with their reverse stamp and original negative number still present on the verso:
Negative No. C-509-10
The image itself is visually striking, showing Alou-Gonzalez performing atop a rearing horse beneath the large “Cole Bros Circus” signage with the classic striped circus backdrop behind her. The photograph has additionally been personally autographed and inscribed in blue ink by the performer.
Inscription likely reads: \"To Valerie a very sweet friend. Really wish the best of everything. Love Sonia.\"
Authentic signed Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. material from this era has become increasingly difficult to locate, especially identified equestrian performer photographs with clear circus attribution.
Excellent piece for collectors of:
- Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. Circus memorabilia
- Vintage circus autographs
- Equestrian performance history
- Mid-century Americana
- Traveling circus collectibles
- Horse performance photography
- Carnival and sideshow history
Condition Summary
Photograph exhibits authentic vintage wear including corner bends, edge wear, scattered surface marks, light creasing, and mild age toning consistent with a handled 1960-era promotional photograph. Upper corners show moderate creasing. Reverse displays light discoloration and original photographer stamp. Signature and inscription remain visible and displayable despite some fading and difficult-to-read script areas. Overall presents attractively with strong visual display appeal.
Features
- Original circa 1960 Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. Circus photograph
- Features equestrian performer Sonia/Sonya Alou-Gonzalez
- Personally signed and inscribed in blue ink
- Original Town & Country Photographers Chicago backstamp
- Original negative number C-509-10
- Large glossy black-and-white promotional photograph
- Confirmed performer from 1960–1961 Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. route books
- Strong equestrian circus imagery
- Mid-century American circus history collectible
- Condition feature: Honest vintage wear with attractive overall presentation
Shipping & Returns
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- 30 day returns (must be returned in original condition)
