This is a small traveling case for The Craw Loupe Brother's Combined Shows' Circus Minimus, Sideshow Insect Circus. Advance men were often sent ahead to advertise the arrival of the show and C & L reportedly used these little flea circus acts as teasers. When the full circus arrived, a much larger sideshow tent would have been devoted to the full Circus Minimus with some large spectacular sets and multiple species of insects. Many of the sets were large boxes with multiple magnifying lenses for public viewing. Some were large open tables.
Evidence suggests that the Circus Minimus used a combination of practical tricks, magnets and mechanicals along with performances exploiting the natural instincts and abilities of the various bugs involved.
This case dismantles for travel and has padded section in the top to store the carved wooden proscenium, and various props and backdrops. It is shown here set up for a performance of the sword fight scene from Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
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