Souvenir: Token featuring Charles S. Stratton (Gen. Tom Thumb), his chariot on reverse
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Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1844 (Date manufactured/created)
, 1.5 in Diameter
Metal token, game counter, or coin-type souvenir featuring on its face a relief (slightly dimensional) image of "General Tom Thumb." The token was made during the first year of P. T. Barnum and Charles Stratton's three-year tour of Europe, when Barnum was introducing the young boy to heads of state, royalty, and the public. Stratton is shown standing on a desk by a stack of books with a quill pen and other writing tools by his feet. The image is copied from a print portrait by Charles Baugniet. The setting, with its books and other common items, is intended to show Stratton's diminutive size. The standing book is titled "Royal Court Guide 1844," a reference to Charles needing to learn court etiquette prior to his meeting Queen Victoria. Near the top edge, the image is titled "CHARLES S. STRATTON, KNOWN AS GENERAL TOM THUMB. 25 in hgh [inches high]." At the bottom, the manufacturer's name reads: "ALLEN & MOORE F: BIRMm [Birmingham, England] 1844." The reverse side features a profile image of Stratton's miniature coach and ponies, and describes the equipment. The text near the top edge reads: "GENERAL TOM THUMB'S CHARIOT/ The Equipment Cost 400 [English pounds]." Smaller text near the lower edge reads: PUB. BY P. T. BARNUM". Below the picture of the coach with driver, footman, and ponies is text that reads: "Whole Height 40 in, Body 20 in by 11 in / Ponies 28 in., Chest, Rising Sun / Arms, Britannia and Liberty / Supporters, Lion & Eagle / Motto: "Go-A-Head"
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
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T 2017.002.001