Potter & Potter Auctions early fall circus event on Sept. 24 was a feast for the senses from start to finish. When the hammer finally fell silent after a day of energetic bidding, 45 lots realized $1,000-$3,000; 25 lots made $3,001-$9,999; and three lots broke the five figure mark. All prices noted include the companys 20-percent buyers premium. Circus themed models and displays took several of the top lot slots in the auction. A circus big top motorized diorama that was part of the Museum of Science of Industrys circus exhibit was estimated at $5,000-$10,000 and realized $14,400. This 125-by-24-inch detailed model of a three-ring circus big top included the canvas tent, performers of all sorts, and 500 spectators in bleachers around the exterior of the performing area. A tattooed man interactive display, also from the Museum of Science of Industry, was estimated at $1,000-$2,000 and delivered $6,000. This 68-by-46-inch display enabled the visitor to see themselves as the circus performer via a mirror placed where the tattooed mans face would be. A lion model circus wagon from around 1940 made $6,600 and was finely detailed and painted, including well-carved miniature lion heads decorating each of the four wheels and three taxidermy cats displayed inside the wagon. It featured a Hagenbeck Wallace Shows/Peru Indiana cast metal plaque below the steering wheel. A bird display model circus parade wagon from around 1940 was estimated at $4,000-$8,000 and scored $24,000. This vehicle was decorated all over with carved gilt wooden ornaments and birds, including two prominent owls. Its interior housed a display of taxidermied birds. It also retained its Hagenbeck Wallace Shows/Peru Indiana cast metal plaque below the steering wheel. This event also featured a fine selection of rare and antique circus posters. A broadside promoting Al Ringlings Double Specialty Show was estimated at $300-$500 and traded hands at $3,360. It was printed in Chicago by the National Printing Co., ca. 1881. A poster for the Seils-Sterling 4-Ring Circus was estimated at $600-$900 and realized $7,800. It was published in Milwaukee by the Riverside Printing Co. in the 1930s and pictured a polar bear and cub feasting on a freshly-killed seal. A Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey / Worlds Biggest Menagerie birds eye view poster, estimated at $125-$175, went for $3,600. It was published in 1944. Century spanning entertainment industry ephemera caught the attention of bidders worldwide, including an MGM Pictures Wizard of Oz engagement pass issued to Col. Casper, a Munchkin actor in the film, estimated at $200-$300, realized $6,000. This cardstock pass was printed in Culver City, Calif., in 1938 and was issued to Casper Balsam (1904-68) who stood just over 3 feet tall. One of a handful extant, auction staff could not locate other passes for the film previously at auction. A Prof. J.S. Fraser Boston expert electric tattooing business card was estimated at $300-$600 and made $2,640. It was printed in Boston in the early 20th century and was illustrated with samples of the tattooists work and his address. A signed Sells-Floto / Miss Arline and Kiddo Balloon Horse poster maquette was estimated at $500-$700 and sold for $4,080.This 1930s era gouache-on-board poster illustration was done for Erie Litho. And finally, materials related to Buffalo Bills Wild West Shows also deserved spotlight status. A pair of beaded and decorated gloves purportedly owned by Buffalo Bill, estimated at $250-$350, realized $1,560. These were accompanied with a placard stating the gloves were a gift of Capt. William Heyer of Sarasota, Fla. The card indicates that Dexter Fellows, a Ringling Bros. press agent, received the gloves from Cody. A poster for Buffalo Bills Wild West Combined with Pawnee Bills Far East / The Battle of Summit Springs was estimated at $600-$1,200 and sold for $9,600. It was published in Cincinnati and New York by Russell & Morgan in 1910. This one sheet broadside promoted the Wild West re-enactment of the Battle of Summit Springs. A framed broadside for the last appearance but two of Buffalo Bill at the Bowery Theatre was estimated at $900-$1,400 and sold for $3,500. This Life on the Border show presented a romanticized depiction of Codys exploits and featured a cast of more than a dozen characters. We attribute the success of this auction to the extent and quality of the Zweifel circus archives. This was unlike any collection of circusiana to come to the market at one time in years, and we were delighted to represent this outstanding archive in our catalog, said Joseph Slabaugh, of Potter & Potter Auctions. Potter & Potter, founded in 2007, is a Chicago area auction house specializing in paper Americana, vintage advertising, rare books, playing cards, gambling memorabilia, posters, fine prints, vintage toys, and magicana - antiques and collectibles related to magic and magicians. For more information, call 773-472-1442.