An unusual 1940 autographed photo of "The King of Clowns" Felix Adler in costume but out of makeup.
I can't be certain, but I have the strong suspicion that Felix used his starched white and spangled wardrobe exclusively for "picture day" at the beginning of the season, switched to a similar wardrobe in red or yellow for the indoor dates in NY and Boston and then wore this plaid suit for most of the remainder of the season for the outdoor dates.
Duane "Uncle Soapy" Thorpe would have taken a page out of that book when he'd have his program picture taken in a beautiful new costume with his bald top burgundy yak wig all styled and set and then switch back to his trusty sythetic orange afro and red jacket as soon as the season started.
The birdcage top hat that Felix is sporting in this photo is now in the collection of the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI.
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