Parian ware replica of Charles S. Stratton's left foot and ankle. Strattton, better known by his stage name, General Tom Thumb, was a little person promoted by showman P.T. Barnum as the "Man in Miniature." His height at age 5 was only 24 inches, but ultimately he did grow to be 42 inches tall. The object measures 2 3/4-inches tall x 3 1/2-inches long, representing the size of Stratton's foot between the1840s and 1850s. Parian ware was invented in 1845 by the Staffordshire, England, pottery firm Mintons; it is a type of bisque porcelain that imitates white marble. It has a smooth but not glassy surface. The reason for this replica's existence is unknown, perhaps in some way it functioned as a surrogate to show people how very small Stratton was, or because people wanted to see his tiny feet, which as a performer in costume, would not have been exposed. Since Parian ware was a new thing at the time Stratton was touring in England with P. T. Barnum (1844-1846 and again in 1856-1857), the replica might possibly have been made to show off the character and quality of the material with its ability to render a high level of detail, something that common earthenware ceramics could not. Unfortunately, this piece has sustained considerable damage over time; the old repairs are quite visible in some views. Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the 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 at age 45. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
