For your consideration is this original and rare, Chas. Eisenmann photo of P. T. Barnum at his studio in New York at 229 Bowery in 1886, signed by P.T. Barnum. Charles "Chas" Eisenmann (1855-1927) was a renowned and prolific manufacturer of cabinet cards in Victorian-era New York City. From his Bowery studio, he created some of the most well-known photographs of sideshow freaks, capitalizing on Victorian infatuation with them. His cartes-de-visite were extremely popular among the middle class in the late 1880s, and they are still highly sought for by collectors today. This photo was taken by Chas Eisenmann at his New York studio on 229 Bowery and shows P.T. Barnum posing for a portrait. Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891) was an American showman, businessman, and politician remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and founding with James Anthony Bailey the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The photo is signed by P.T. Barnum near the bottom and is dated 1886, five years before his death. The bottom of the photo is marked reading, "Eisenmann / Instantaneous Portraits / Photo, 229 Bowery N.Y.". While the back is marked reading, "Chas. Eisenmann Photographer / 229, Bowery, New York / Portraits Taken by Instantaneous Process". The photo shows good condition overall with slight wear present from its age and use over the years, but no signs of major damage is noted. It is set in a plastic slip case to preserve its condition. It measures 6 1/2" L x 4 1/4" W and weighs under 6 ounces. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. P144