According to train historians, IVES originally got the idea for a Circus train back in 1925 and at that time made up a single 0 gauge flat car with ramps and cages. Supposedly in 1928 when Coca Cola came out with their Circus Window display, IVES purchased these and repainted and/or re-stamped the pieces to say IVES or at least not say Coke!

Above and below is an all IVES Circus Set from 1928.  

 

1929 Circus Set

 

Back drops for early 1928 set and Original Coke Backdrops.

Band wagon - Above is the version that came with the Circus set, below is the one from the Coca Cola window display.

Lion cages - The example above is from the IVES Circus Set, the one below is from the Coca Cola window display.

Above is part of the circus parade that came with the Circus Set, below shows the Coke version. Note the difference in the flag.

Above is a piece of the backdrop from the Circus set, below is the same piece from the Coke window display.

The two pieces above are from the Circus Set, below a similar piece from the Coke display.

Here's the band which we believe was the same in both sets.

Circus set above and Coke window display below.

The piece from the IVES Circus set above and similar piece from Coke window display below.

IVES Circus set backdrop above and Coke window display below.

Part of backdrop from IVES circus set.

Part of backdrop from IVES circus set.

Part of the Coke window display

This piece is the same in both displays.

This is the original tent that came with a 1928 Circus Set. The tent was unique to the Circus Set and was not part of the Coca Cola window display.

It's pretty obvious on this piece of backdrop that IVES just painted out the Coca Cola lettering and added their own.

Instructions for placing the cardboard backdrops that came with the Circus Set.

A couple boxes found with an original Circus Set, apparently Ives took a couple regular boxes and just marked them "C" with a blue crayon.