Black wool uniform coat, baldric (crossbody sash), and gauntlets, all of which were part of Charles S. Stratton's Masonic uniform. Stratton became a celebrity through his association with showman P. T. Barnum, and is better known by his stage name, General Tom Thumb. The bicorn hat that Stratton wore with these items can be seen in the record for 2014.007.001 E. The frock-style coat or jacket is made of a high quality black wool, and features a black velvet collar, and large fabric-covered buttons. The front-button closure ends at the waist where the "skirt" portion of the frock coat begins with a seam around the waistline. At the center back the coat "skirt" is set into pleats and secured with four decorative buttons. Each sleeve has three non-functional cuff buttons. T he crossbody sash, called a baldric, is worn over the coat. It forms a large loop with the ends stitched together and is constructed of layers of fabric with an interior stiffening to retain the shape necessary to wear over the coat. The outside of the baldric is made of ivory color fabric bordered in black velvet with a silver edging. The ivory material appears to have been made with a silk warp and cotton weft, in which areas of the silk yarns have given way, leaving only the horizontal threads visible, thus the current appearance is not as it would have looked originally. An embroidered emblem composed of a nine-point star with a cross in the center is stitched to the baldric in the upper chest area. The baldric is lined in bright green silk satin. A simple red cross shape has been stitched to the lining, though it would be hidden from view. The gauntlets, worn over the coat sleeves at the wrists, are made of light buff color chamois leather. They feature decorative border stitching and each has an embroidered emblem with a red cross. The gauntlets are bound with white kid leather around the edges and close with three metal buttons at the outer wrist; one button is missing. The uniform and accessories were probably made or supplied by D. B. Howell & Co., who made the accompanying hat. The hat and uniform were custom made to suit Stratton's small stature. The coat is approximately 27 inches long from collar to hem. Stratton was a member of the Freemasons from 1862 until his death in 1883. According to a Bridgeport Post newspaper article dated October 30, 1961, Stratton was received into that city's Saint John's Lodge No. 3 in 1862, when he was twenty-four years old. The following year he received the Order of Red Cross, and the Orders of Malta and the Temple in Bridgeport's Hamilton Commandery No.5, Knights Templar. In 1866 Stratton received the Scottish Rite's 32nd degree from Lafayette Consistory of Bridgeport. When Stratton passed away at age 45, he was buried with Masonic honors. According to the same newspaper article, this hat along with Stratton's uniform sword were laid on the casket during the funeral ceremonies. The hat and uniform date to the latter part of Stratton's life, probably made about 1875. A portrait photograph of Stratton in the full uniform can be seen in record 2003.009.069. 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, and less than two feet tall owing to the condition of proportionate dwarfism. His growth had virtually ceased when he was just seven months old, but he did grow taller over the course of his life, eventually reaching a height of about 42 inches. 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.
