I've run this picture before and it remains an enigma. Obviously a parody of the famous Ringling Mounted Band but at a much later date, probably staged. I can't imagine carrying a dozen mules for a clown gag unless they did a libety drill and were on hand. |
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Clown Bands #10
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2 comments:
The tableau in the background appears to be one that traveled with Sells-Floto. It was fabricated circa 1915, the sides adorned with carvings from the ends of the Great Wallace tableau with the running lioness, along with a large bas relief bison. For the 1915 season it was painted with body stripes, perhaps red, white and blue. The body was painted a single solid color in 1920. This "folls and fools" feature is Sells-Floto sometime 1916-1920 or so.
The leader may be the trombonist, wearing the mortarboard [square academic hat].
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