Description:

Charles S. Stratton
London, England, January 26, 1857
"General Tom Thumb" ALS & Rare CDV by Fredricks
Archive
Handwritten letter from Charles Stratton, better known as "General Tom Thumb", possibly during a European tour. 1p on blue lined paper, measuring 4.75" x 6.5", London, England, dated January 26, 1857. Accompanied by a 2.25" x 4" CDV of Stratton posing next to a chair, featuring the backstamp of C.D. Fredericks & Co. on verso. Evidence of scattered soiling and discoloration throughout, with slight edge wear present to photograph. A nice pairing overall.

Reading in full: "Sir- I take pleasure in acceding to your request. Yours Respectfully/ Charles S. Stratton/ Known as General Tom Thumb".

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 to 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.

P.T. Barnum had heard of Stratton's small stature and scouted him out at the age of 5, teaching him dance, sing, and do impersonations, eventually taking him on a tour of Europe between 1844-45. Later while working at Barnum's American Museum in New York, Stratton would meet future wife Lavinia Warren (1841-1919) who began her career after hearing about his success as "Tom Thumb". Their wedding, held on February 10, 1863, thus became one of the biggest events of nineteenth century New York.

Charles D. Fredricks (1823-1894) was an American photographer who had studios in New York, Paris, and Habana (or Havana). He later became known for photographing John Wilkes Booth on several occasions in the early 1860s.

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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  • Dimensions: 4.75" x 6.5"
  • Medium: Archive

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June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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