Tom Thumb & Lavinia Warren Autograph Pairing
Charles S. Stratton
n.p., ca. 1870s
Tom Thumb & Lavinia Warren Autograph Pairing
Signature
Two autographed pages from 19th century entertainers Charles Stratton (a.k.a. General Tom Thumb) and his wife, Lavinia Warren. 2pp, each measuring 6" x 4", n.p., ca. 1870s. The first is signed in full, "Charles S. Stratton/ known as/ Genl. Tom Thumb". Warren has signed her name on the second as "Mrs. Charles S. Stratton/ Oct 14th 1875", with a bonus signature from her sister Minnie (1849-1878) present above. Exhibits areas of light dampstaining and soiling throughout. Remnants of prior mounting found along one side of verso. Else, very good.
Charles Sherwood Stratton (1838-1883), better known by his stage name "General Tom Thumb", was an American performer who's act was mainly attributed to pioneer showman P.T. Barnum. Born in Bridgeport, CT to parents of medium height, Charles would grow and develop at an average pace until the age of six months, when he suddenly stopped. While proportionate and healthy, he would eventually reach his tallest at around 3 feet. Barnum had heard of Stratton's small stature and scouted him out at the age of 5, teaching him dance, sing, and do impersonations. Later, while working at Barnum's American Museum in New York, Stratton would meet future wife Lavinia Warren (1841-1919), who began her own career after hearing about the success of "Tom Thumb".
Their wedding, held on February 10, 1863, thus became one of the biggest events of nineteenth century New York. The event took place at Grace Episcopal Church, with a reception at the Metropolitan Hotel. The wedding party consisted of best man George Washington Morrison ("Commodore") Nutt, also in Barnum's employ, and maid of honor Minnie Warren, Lavinia's sister. At the reception, Stratton and Warren notably stood atop a grand piano to greet some 10,000 guests. Following the wedding, the couple was received by President Lincoln at the White House.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
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6" x 4"
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Charles S. Stratton
n.p., ca. 1870s
Tom Thumb & Lavinia Warren Autograph Pairing
Signature
Two autographed pages from 19th century entertainers Charles Stratton (a.k.a. General Tom Thumb) and his wife, Lavinia Warren. 2pp, each measuring 6" x 4", n.p., ca. 1870s. The first is signed in full, "Charles S. Stratton/ known as/ Genl. Tom Thumb". Warren has signed her name on the second as "Mrs. Charles S. Stratton/ Oct 14th 1875", with a bonus signature from her sister Minnie (1849-1878) present above. Exhibits areas of light dampstaining and soiling throughout. Remnants of prior mounting found along one side of verso. Else, very good.
Charles Sherwood Stratton (1838-1883), better known by his stage name "General Tom Thumb", was an American performer who's act was mainly attributed to pioneer showman P.T. Barnum. Born in Bridgeport, CT to parents of medium height, Charles would grow and develop at an average pace until the age of six months, when he suddenly stopped. While proportionate and healthy, he would eventually reach his tallest at around 3 feet. Barnum had heard of Stratton's small stature and scouted him out at the age of 5, teaching him dance, sing, and do impersonations. Later, while working at Barnum's American Museum in New York, Stratton would meet future wife Lavinia Warren (1841-1919), who began her own career after hearing about the success of "Tom Thumb".
Their wedding, held on February 10, 1863, thus became one of the biggest events of nineteenth century New York. The event took place at Grace Episcopal Church, with a reception at the Metropolitan Hotel. The wedding party consisted of best man George Washington Morrison ("Commodore") Nutt, also in Barnum's employ, and maid of honor Minnie Warren, Lavinia's sister. At the reception, Stratton and Warren notably stood atop a grand piano to greet some 10,000 guests. Following the wedding, the couple was received by President Lincoln at the White House.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
6" x 4"
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
