Real photo postcard featuring a tattooed man in a studio portrait, with “Mose Smith” lettered on the image. 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 Show.Divided back with AZO stamp box marking visible on the reverse.


The sitter faces the camera with arms folded, wearing a patterned garment that exposes extensive tattoo coverage across his chest, sleeves, and forearms. The tattoos include bold geometric fills, floral motifs, and symmetrical panels across the torso, creating a dense all-over effect. His hair is combed back, and the portrait is tightly framed against a dark studio background. Along the lower edge of the image, show lettering includes “RINGLING BROS” and “TATTOO” (partially visible within the frame). The overall composition reads as a performer or sideshow portrait, with the tattoo work presented as the main subject. On the reverse, the printed postcard layout includes “POST CARD,” divided correspondence and address areas, and an AZO “PLACE A STAMP HERE” box, with a handwritten date matching the circus reference.


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