Description

Description: In this autograph letter signed, Barnum appeals to the Sharps gun company to assist one of his employees in manufacturing his new gun design. He writes in full: “Sharps Rifle Co. The writer of enclosed — Wm. F. Summerfield is a splendid man — about 35 years of age — has some property — is sagacious & honest, has traveled for me in the W.I. & Europe & handled scores of thousands of dollars for me. I send you his letter &c. that you can write him for description of his gun — If you could offer him inducements for manufacturing them for him.”

Written on a 9″ x 5 3/4″ sheet of stationery imprinted “Office of P. T. Barnum, Barnum Building Main St. Bridgeport, Conn.” Item #A01789

Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891), businessman, showman, and politician is probably most remembered for his promotion of hoaxes and human curiosities, as well as, his partnership with James Bailey which created create Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Condition: Mailing fold lines, otherwise very good.