Live
Sep 03, 11:00AM EDT

Step Right Up: Circus and Sideshow Memorabilia

2026-09-03 11:00:00 2026-09-03 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Step Right Up: Circus and Sideshow Memorabilia https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/potter-potter/step-right-up-circus-and-sideshow-memorabilia-23625
Featuring the collection of lifelong circus collector John Diesso, this auction includes heralds, couriers, and posters advertising the "greatest shows" of yesteryear. Photographs, route books, scrapbooks, and circus costumes will be also be offered, spanning the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A wide array of early European circus posters will be sold, along with a large library of circus books of several thousand volumes.
Potter & Potter Auctions info@potterauctions.com

Featured Items

668 Results
Sort by
  • Group of 10 Clown Related Items.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 625

    Group of 10 Clown Related Items.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  •  Model circus wagon and elephant.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 626

    Model circus wagon and elephant.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • [CIRCUS]. Group lot of circus souvenirs, models, and memorabilia.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 627

    [CIRCUS]. Group lot of circus souvenirs, models, and memorabilia.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Carnival Knock-Down "Punk" Doll Duo. Early to mid 20th century. Painted canvas
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 628

    Carnival Knock-Down "Punk" Doll Duo. Early to mid 20th century. Painted canvas

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Bright Green Painted Leather Clown Shoes. [American], early to mid 20th century.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 629

    Bright Green Painted Leather Clown Shoes. [American], early to mid 20th century.

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • [ARCADE]. "Youthful Perfection" Reproduction Auto Stereoscope Marquee. New York, 20th century.
    Estimate
    $100 - $300
    Lot 630

    [ARCADE]. "Youthful Perfection" Reproduction Auto Stereoscope Marquee. New York, 20th century.

    Est.
    $100 - $300
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Vintage Fiberglass Carousel Horse.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 631

    Vintage Fiberglass Carousel Horse.

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Pair of Wooden Carousel Horses.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 632

    Pair of Wooden Carousel Horses.

    Est.
    $500 - $700
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • Dailey Bros. circus elephant headdress.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 633

    Dailey Bros. circus elephant headdress.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Sells Bros. circus cage wagon side, attributed to Samuel Anderson Robb.
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 634

    Sells Bros. circus cage wagon side, attributed to Samuel Anderson Robb.

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $2,000
  • Philadelphia Toboggan Co. Carousel Chariot Side.
    Estimate
    $900 - $1,300
    Lot 635

    Philadelphia Toboggan Co. Carousel Chariot Side.

    Est.
    $900 - $1,300
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $450
  • Carnival Gambling Wheel.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 636

    Carnival Gambling Wheel.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Mechanical "Matrimonial Paradise" shooting gallery.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $3,000
    Lot 637

    Mechanical "Matrimonial Paradise" shooting gallery.

    Est.
    $1,500 - $3,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $750
  • Carnival High Striker game.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 638

    Carnival High Striker game.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Carnival Ball Toss Cat Figures, three.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 639

    Carnival Ball Toss Cat Figures, three.

    Est.
    $250 - $350
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $125
  •  RHOADES, Anna Lou (Louie). (American, 20th century). Pink Po...
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 640

    RHOADES, Anna Lou (Louie). (American, 20th century). Pink Po...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  •  Carnival Balloon Pop Board and Prize Stand Setup.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 641

    Carnival Balloon Pop Board and Prize Stand Setup.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Fun House Mirror.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 642

    Fun House Mirror.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Tilt-A-Whirl sign.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 643

    Tilt-A-Whirl sign.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Pair of clown ball toss carnival games.
    Estimate
    $80 - $150
    Lot 644

    Pair of clown ball toss carnival games.

    Est.
    $80 - $150
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $40
  • Sprinkling Sam Clown Figure. Defiance, OH: Dapco Products, ca. 1940s.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 645

    Sprinkling Sam Clown Figure. Defiance, OH: Dapco Products, ca. 1940s.

    Est.
    $250 - $350
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $125
  • Blade Box Illusion.
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000
    Lot 646

    Blade Box Illusion.

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • Mismade Girl Illusion.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 647

    Mismade Girl Illusion.

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $1,000
  •  Spidora Illusion.
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 648

    Spidora Illusion.

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • ​​​​​​​BOGARDUS, Adam Henry (1834 - 1913). Capt. A. H. Bogardus trunk. 
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $4,000
    Lot 649

    ​​​​​​​BOGARDUS, Adam Henry (1834 - 1913). Capt. A. H. Bogardus trunk. 

    Est.
    $2,000 - $4,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $1,000
  • Horse Rocker. 20th century.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 650

    Horse Rocker. 20th century.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Clown and monkey animatronic figure.
    Estimate
    $700 - $1,200
    Lot 651

    Clown and monkey animatronic figure.

    Est.
    $700 - $1,200
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $350
  • Humpty Dumpty animatronic figure.
    Estimate
    $900 - $1,300
    Lot 652

    Humpty Dumpty animatronic figure.

    Est.
    $900 - $1,300
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $450
  • Carved and painted lighted carousel rounding board.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 653

    Carved and painted lighted carousel rounding board.

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $400
  • Hand-painted carousel rounding board with cabin and lake scene.
    Estimate
    $400 - $800
    Lot 654

    Hand-painted carousel rounding board with cabin and lake scene.

    Est.
    $400 - $800
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Hand-painted carousel rounding board with hut and bridges.
    Estimate
    $400 - $800
    Lot 655

    Hand-painted carousel rounding board with hut and bridges.

    Est.
    $400 - $800
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Circus Side Show painted sign.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 656

    Circus Side Show painted sign.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Showland's Latest Novelty sign.
    Estimate
    $400 - $800
    Lot 657

    Showland's Latest Novelty sign.

    Est.
    $400 - $800
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Carved and lighted griffin carousel decoration.
    Estimate
    $400 - $800
    Lot 658

    Carved and lighted griffin carousel decoration.

    Est.
    $400 - $800
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Collection of painted fiberglass carousel decorations.
    Estimate
    $250 - $500
    Lot 659

    Collection of painted fiberglass carousel decorations.

    Est.
    $250 - $500
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $125
  • Elephant head bust.
    Estimate
    $300 - $600
    Lot 660

    Elephant head bust.

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Attr. Old King Cole woman sticking out tongue figure.
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000
    Lot 661

    Attr. Old King Cole woman sticking out tongue figure.

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • Old King Cole roughneck with cigar display figure.
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000
    Lot 662

    Old King Cole roughneck with cigar display figure.

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • Attr. Old King Cole bearded man display figure.
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000
    Lot 663

    Attr. Old King Cole bearded man display figure.

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • Clown balanced on ball animated display figure.
    Estimate
    $400 - $800
    Lot 664

    Clown balanced on ball animated display figure.

    Est.
    $400 - $800
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • C. W. Parker "Jumper" Metal Carousel Horse on a Stand. (American, 20th Century). 
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 665

    C. W. Parker "Jumper" Metal Carousel Horse on a Stand. (American, 20th Century). 

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Painted molded plastic carousel horse.
    Estimate
    $50 - $150
    Lot 666

    Painted molded plastic carousel horse.

    Est.
    $50 - $150
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $25
  • Penny Arcade animated clown figure.
    Estimate
    $400 - $800
    Lot 667

    Penny Arcade animated clown figure.

    Est.
    $400 - $800
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • After Dentzel, cast jester lighted carousel rounding board.
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000
    Lot 668

    After Dentzel, cast jester lighted carousel rounding board.

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Potter & Potter Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250

Auction Description

Step Right Up: Circus and Sideshow Memorabilia by Potter & Potter Auctions

Featuring the collection of lifelong circus collector John Diesso, this auction includes heralds, couriers, and posters advertising the "greatest shows" of yesteryear. Photographs, route books, scrapbooks, and circus costumes will be also be offered, spanning the nineteenth and twentieth centuries A wide array of early European circus posters will be sold, along with a large library of circus books of several thousand volumes.

Read more
Potter & Potter Auctions
Chicago, IL 60641
United States

info@potterauctions.com

Phone:+1 7734721442

Buyer’s Premium

Start Premium (%)
$0 25.00

Bid Increments

Start Increments ($)
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

Payments

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay

Shipping Info

If your bid is successful, as an alternative to in-house shipping, we can provide you with a list of shippers. We will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not recommended by us. Property will not be released to the shipper without the buyer's written consent and until payment has been made in full. Packing and handling by us of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the purchaser, and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will have no liability of any loss or damage to such items. Packing and shipping expenses shall be added to buyer's invoice and will reflect a charge for labor, materials, insurance, transportation, as well as actual shipper fees.

Read more

Terms & Conditions

CONDITIONS OF SALE


The lots listed in this catalogue (whether printed or posted online) will be offered at public auction by Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc., as agent for consignor(s) subject to the following terms and conditions. By bidding at auction you agree to be bound by these Conditions of Sale.

PRIOR TO THE SALE

Please examine lots. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to "in person" or by personally retained Agent, examine any property in which they are interested before the auction takes place. Condition reports may be provided if requested in a timely manner.

Condition of lots, Warranties and Representations - All lots are sold "AS IS" and without recourse, and neither Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. nor its consignor(s) makes any warranties or representations, express or implied with respect to such lots. Neither Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. nor its consignor(s) makes any express or implied warranty or representation of any kind or nature with respect to merchantability, fitness for purpose, correctness of the catalogue or other description of the physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, medium, material, genuineness, attribution, provenance, period, source, origin, completeness, historical significance of any lot sold. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. No statement, whether written or oral, and whether made in the catalogue, or in supplements to the catalogue, an advertisement, a bill of sale, a posting or announcement, the remarks of an auctioneer, or otherwise, shall be deemed to create any warranty, representation or assumption of liability. Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. and its consignor(s) make no warranty or representation, express or implied, that the purchaser will acquire any copyright or reproduction rights to any lot sold.

AT THE SALE

Registration Before Bidding - A prospective buyer must complete and sign a registration form and provide identification before bidding. We may require bank or other financial references. Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc., is under no obligation to approve the registration of any prospective registrant.

Bidding as Principal - When making a bid, a bidder is accepting personal liability to pay the purchase price, including the buyer's premium, all applicable taxes and all other applicable charges, unless it has been explicitly agreed upon in writing with Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. before the commencement of the sale that the bidder is acting as agent on behalf of an identified third party acceptable to Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc., and that Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will only look to the principal for payment.

Absentee Bids - Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will use reasonable efforts to carry out written bids given to us prior to the sale for the convenience of clients who are not present at the auction in person. Bids must be placed in U.S. dollars. If we receive written bids on a particular lot for identical amounts, and these are the highest bids on the lot at the auction, it will be sold to the person whose written bid was received and accepted first. Execution of written bids is a free service undertaken subject to other commitments at the time of the sale and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. does not not accept liability for failing to execute a written bid or for errors and omissions in connection with such written bid(s).

Telephone Bids - If a prospective buyer makes arrangements with us prior to the commencement of the sale we will use reasonable efforts to contact said prospective buyer to enable them to participate in the bidding by telephone and we do not accept liability for failure to do so or for errors and omissions in connection with telephone bidding.

Online Bids - We will use reasonable efforts to carry out online bids and do not accept liability for equipment failure, inability to access the internet or software malfunctions related to the execution of online bids. To avoid the possibility of any error in entering or acceptance of an online bid, it is recommended that you bid directly with Potter and Potter auctions either by way of in person, absentee or telephone bidding.

Reserves - Although the majority of the lots in the sale are offered without reserve, some lots in the sale may be subject to a reserve which is the confidential minimum price below which such lot will not be sold. The reserve will not exceed the low estimate of the lot. Reserves are agreed upon with consignors or, in the absence thereof, the absolute discretion of Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. The auctioneer may open the bidding on any lot below the reserve by placing a bid on behalf of the seller. The auctioneer may continue to bid on behalf of the seller up to the amount of the reserve, either by placing consecutive bids or by placing bids in response to other bidders. With respect to lots that are offered without reserve, unless there are already competing bids, the auctioneer, in his or her discretion, will generally open the bidding at half of the low estimate for the lot. In the absence of a bid at that level, the auctioneer may proceed backwards at his or her discretion until a bid is recognized, and then continue up from that amount.

Auctioneer's Discretion - The auctioneer has the right at his or her absolute and sole discretion to refuse any bid, to advance the bidding in such a manner as he or she may decide, to withdraw any lot, and in the case of error or dispute, and whether during or after the sale, to determine the successful bidder, to continue the bidding, to cancel the sale or to reoffer and resell the item in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, our sale record is conclusive.

Successful Bid - The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. In the case of a tie bid, the winning bidder will determined by the auctioneer at his or her sole discretion. In the event of a dispute between bidders, the auctioneer has final discretion to determine the successful bidder or to re-offer the lot in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, the Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. sale record shall be conclusive. Title passes upon the fall of the auctioneer's hammer to the highest acknowledged bidder subject to the Conditions of Sale set forth herein, and the bidder assumes full risk and responsibility.

AFTER THE SALE

Buyer's Premium - In addition to the hammer price, the online buyer agrees to pay Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. a buyer's premium of 23%, and the applicable sales tax added to the final total. BIDDERS THAT SUCCESSFULLY BID DIRECTLY WITH POTTER AUCTIONS, THROUGH IN PERSON, ABSENTEE OR TELEPHONE BIDS, SHALL also be subject to a 20% buyer's premium.

Payment - The buyer must pay the entire amount due (including the hammer price, buyer's premium, all applicable taxes and other charges) no later than 5 p.m. on the seventh (7) business day following the sale. Payment in U.S. dollars may be made with cash; bank check or cashier's check drawn on a U.S. bank; money order; or wire transfer unless other arrangements are made with Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank. The purchaser agrees to pay Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. a handling charge of $50 for any check dishonored by Bank.

Due to credit card processing charges, In the event buyer desires to pay by using a credit card, a convenience fee equaling 2.5 % of the entire amount due shall be added to the buyer's invoice. 'We encourage you to pay by sending us a check or wire transfer to avoid the credit card convenience fee. Potter and Potter will consider payment through Paypal only for domestic orders, owing to the extremely high service charges for international transactions.

Non-Payment - If we do not receive payment in full, in good cleared funds, within seven (7) business days following the sale, we are entitled in our absolute discretion to exercise one or more of the following measures, in addition to any additional actions available to us by law: (1) to impose a late charge of one and a half percent (1.5%) per thirty (30) days of the total purchase price, prorated to commence on the date of the sale; (2) to hold the defaulting buyer liable for the total amount due and to begin legal proceedings for its recovery together with interest, legal fees and costs to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law; (3) to rescind the sale; (4) to resell the property publicly or privately with such terms as we find appropriate; (5) to resell the property at public auction without reserve, and with the purchaser liable for any deficiency, cost, including handling charges, the expenses of both sales, our commission on both sales at our regular rate, all other charges due hereunder and incidental damages. In addition, a defaulting purchaser will be deemed to have granted us a security interest in, and we may retain as collateral security for such purchaser's obligations to us, any property in our possession owned by such purchaser. At our option, payment will not be deemed to have been made in full until we have collected funds represented by checks, or in the case of bank or cashier's checks, we have confirmed their authenticity; (6) to offset against any amount owed; (7) to not allow any bids at any upcoming auction by or on behalf of the buyer; (8)to take other action as we find necessary or appropriate.

LIABILITY

Condition Reports - Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. is not responsible for the correctness of any statement of any kind concerning any lot, whether written or oral, nor for any other errors or omissions in description or for any faults or defects in any lot. Neither the seller, ourselves, our officers, employees or agents, give any representation, warranty or guarantee or assume any liability of any kind in respect of any lot with regard to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, description, size, quality, completeness, condition, attribution, authenticity, rarity, importance, medium, provenance, prior ownership history, or historical relevance. Except as required by local law any warranty of any kind whatsoever is excluded by this paragraph.

Purchased Lots - If for any reason a purchased lot cannot be delivered in the same condition as at the time of sale, or should any purchased lot be stolen, mis-delivered or lost prior to delivery, Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. shall not be liable for any amount in excess of that paid by the purchaser.

Legal Ramifications - The rights and obligations of the parties with respect to these Conditions of Sale, the conduct of the auction and any matters connected with any of the foregoing shall be governed and interpreted by the laws of the jurisdiction in Illinois. If any part of these Conditions of Sale is found by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that part shall be discounted and the rest of the conditions shall continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Discretion - Any and all of the conditions may be waived or modified in the sole discretion of Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc.

Please note: Posters are graded on a letter system, A - C, and are linen backed unless otherwise noted.