Circus items sell at Sarasota auction

SARASOTA, Fla. - Who wouldn't want to own a piece of the Greatest Show on Earth?

Saturday morning's sale at Freedom Auction Company had pieces dating back 100-plus years.

The auction was put together by the Freedom Auction Company along with the Circus Historical Society.

"Our hope too, it to have people realize the circus is alive," said Brian Hollifield, the owner of Freedom Auction Company.

For the collector, some 300 circus posters, programs and photographs were sold to the highest bidder.

For the serious circus fanatic, they were also auctioning off original circus train signs, tags and trunks.

The unique treasure hunter could bid on specialty items such as the Buffalo Bill scrapbook, program, poster and newspaper clipping (in color). Those are from the late 1800's; and if Buffalo Bill wasn't the bidder's favorite, a Kit Carson poster was for sale too. 

For the folks attracted to the oddities, there was a collection of hand puppets, the "Greatest Show on Earth" waste basket and tray, the Jackie Le Claire (clown) 26 inch porcelain doll, the elephant man's bull hook and, of course, clown shoes size 9 & 1/2 medium.