Edith Clifford Record Breaker Old Sword Swallower Victorian Circus Postcard

NP117 Antique circa 1910 postcard of Madame Edith Clifford one of the most historic sword swallowers, whose career began as a Victorian performer in the late 1800s and she today is still recognised as possibly the greatest sword swallowing lady of all time.  This very early 1900s postcard shows some ageing - small frayed area to lower right corner - some darkening - unused - no handling of any kind (ie impressions which is great) - overall I grade very good.  The card shows her releasing a sword she is about to plunge down her throat with a giant smile on her face in front of what seems a circus tent.  A very rare postcard and one of the most specialist you will find of its kind.

"...In her day Edith Clifford was a rock star. In a career spanning over 20 years, she toured the world playing to royalty, celebrities, and sold-out crowds; risked injury or even death with each performance; made a tidy little fortune; and then retired quietly to run a small-town grocery store. Mademoiselle Clifford, as she was billed, was one of historys most notable sword swallowersa star under the canvas of the big top and on the vaudeville stage. While shes no longer a household name, her legacy endures to this day in her chosen discipline, where a select few are still attempting to meet or break her professional records.

To give her rarity as a performer starting out in the late Victorian era some context: In the 21st centurywhen there are at least two professional schools teaching the secrets of sideshow performerssword swallowing remains one of the worlds rarest performance skills, with fewer than 300 living practitioners currently working in the trade. Part of this rarity is due to the genuine danger and difficulty of learning, which is an exercise in dogged dedication, physical endurance, and mental acuityall which are used to overcome the bodys own internal reflexes. Proving this is no mere magic trick or illusion, the Sword Swallower's Association International will only certify performers of legal age who have been properly trained to swallow a blade at least 16 long and ÔøΩ wide.."