Real photo postcard with a portrait identified in-image as “Mose Smith,Ringling Brothers Tattooed Wonder” showing a tattooed back design. Mose Smith was a heavily tattooed American circus and sideshow performer, billed as “The Greatest Tattooed Man in the World.” He performed with Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey circus and the Miller Bros. 101 Ranch Real Wild West. Divided back with AZO stamp box marking visible on the reverse.


The subject is photographed from behind, head turned to the side so his profile is visible. His hair is pinned up and the name “Mose Smith” is lettered along the hair area of the image. A bold central tattoo on the upper back features a large cross with a kneeling figure at its base, surrounded by additional ornamental elements that wrap the shoulders. The lower edge of the photo includes show-related lettering that reads “RINGLING BROS & BARNUM & BAILEY,” with “TATTOOED” and “WONDER” also visible. The pose and tight framing emphasize the full back panel and the dense border motifs. On the reverse, the postcard back is clearly printed with “POST CARD,” separate correspondence and address sections, and an AZO “PLACE A STAMP HERE” box, with a handwritten date and “Ringling Bros & B & B” notation.


The front bears the printed text: Rose Smith; RINGLING BROS & BARNUM & BAILEY; TATTOOED; WONDER. The reverse reads: AZO. Handwritten inscriptions read: Ringling Bros & B & B; May 12,1920; [edge code] COLDBN.