Physical item: Stratton medal with American Museum and Barnum on other side
A grey base metal token. One side of the medal shows a relief of General Tom Thumb standing in front of and to the side of a stack of three books.... Show moreA grey base metal token. One side of the medal shows a relief of General Tom Thumb standing in front of and to the side of a stack of three books. Printed on the spine of the book upon which he is resting his hand is printed "Royal Court Guide 1844." In the background is a chest with an undetermined item on top. To the side is a tall bottle, a fluted glass, an egg in an eggcup, and two unidentified objects. Written along the edge of the token is "Charles S. Stratton. Known as Gen'l Tom Thumb. 25 IN. HIGH." On the other side are the words "General Tom Thumb's Chariot" along with an image of carriage, horses, driver and footman. Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838- July 15, 1883), known as General Tom Thumb, was an entertainer and Bridgeport Conn. native who got his start with P.T. Barnum in 1842. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum at age 4, as exhibiting those with dwarfism was lucrative at the time. Stratton took quickly to performing, and he entertained audiences worldwide, including nobility such as Queen Victoria. Stratton married fellow performer M. Lavinia Warren and the two had a happy marriage. Stratton's performances brought him renown as a celebrity, perhaps one of the biggest at the time, and he and Warren were able to live comfortably when not working. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife beside him. Created by firm of John Allen and Joseph Moore, around 1844. Show less