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CHE MAH Ringling Bros Circus Freak SIGNED VINTAGE PHOTO
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CHE MAH Ringling Bros Circus Freak SIGNED VINTAGE PHOTO
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Che Mah Autographed CDV Photograph
RINGLING BROTHERS CIRCUS FREAK WORLD'S SMALLEST MAN! ONLY CHINESE DWARF! I am pleased to present this Cabinet card Albumen print of the World's Smallest Man. The photo features Che Man standing next to an old Victorian carved wooden chair. The photographer was Wendt from Boonton, New Jersey. The back of the card is signed by Che and is dated August 6, 1906. This historic image is over 100 years old! The printed information on the back of the card says: Che Mah - The only Chinese dwarf, was born in Ningpo, in the Island of Choo-Sang, April 15th, 1838, is now 68 years old. Height 22 inches, weight 30 lbs. I have traveled most all around the world and have appeared before all the crowned heads of Europe. The opinion of the press and public is that I am the smallest man in the world and most polite and intelligent dwarf on exhibition. I have opened al' the principal circuses and Wild West shows in the United States with great success and have proved a drawing card, and now I am with Ringling Bros.' World's Greatest and Largest Shows. Through some additional research I discovered this: Starke County Indiana was the home of Che Mah, the smallest man in theworld prior to his death in 1926. Che Mah's home was in Knox. He was interviewed by a writer and asked, "are you the smallest man in the world." "I am," he replied, " and with no exception." "Of course," he continued, "t are children smaller than I, but I am the smallest man in the world." Che Mah was only 28 inches tall and weighed only 40 pounds. He was brought to the United States in 1881 by Barnum and Bailey Circus after being discovered by P.T. Barnum. He traveled with shows the greater part of his life. He was considered the most polite and intelligent manikin ever on exhibition, being with the largest shows in the country and having appeared before all the crowned heads of Europe. He has appeared and performed in all the big museums and circuses in Europe. Che Mah was one of the most highly respected citizens of Knox, and owned considerable property in Starke County. "How does it feel to be the smallest man in the world?" was asked of him. "Well, " he replied, "I don't know as it feels any different from being any other kind of man." "It's not the size of the man that counts, but it is his brains or what he knows," he said, pointing to his forehead. Che Mah married his housekeeper, Nora Cleveland, but divorced her 14 years later at the age of 85. She was 5'8" and a beefy 200 pounds. Che Mah lived to the ripe old age of 88. He lived his life by the size of his mind and didn't use his size as a disability. Many other people through history went insane due to the stigma and exploitation that was thrust upon them. He was buried at the highest point in Crown Hill Cemetery, in Knox. Low starting bid with NO RESERVE! ONE OF A KIND! Keep an eye on my current and upcoming auctions that will feature additional museum quality items. Civil war ephemera including Gettysburg , WWII tin toys, , a few French nude postcard , black americana postcards, a daguerreotype from a local estate sale. Domestic shipping is $4.00. International bidders feel free to ask for a shipping quote. All items carefully packed! 
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