Profile view of custom-sized Pony Phaeton made by Tomlinson of Bridgeport, Conn.
Transportation T & E: Pony phaeton carriage owned by Charles S. Stratton and M. Lavinia Warren
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (previously owned by)
M. Lavinia Warren (previously owned by)
Tomlinson Carriage Company (created by)
Southworth, Mary (previously owned by)
M. Lavinia Warren (previously owned by)
Tomlinson Carriage Company (created by)
1870s
1870s (Date manufactured/created
Date manufactured/created)
1870s (Date manufactured/created
Date manufactured/created)
Custom-made carriage of a type called a pony phaeton, made to measure for the celebrity couple Charles S. Stratton and M. Lavinia Warren, better known as "Gen. and Mrs. Tom Thumb," who lived in Bridgeport, Connecticut, when not on tour. The carriage was made by Tomlinson Carriage Co. of Bridgeport, most likely in the 1870s. It was made for the Stratton's personal use, not as a show carriage. The chassis and wheels are a typical size, however the height of the black calash top that protects the driver and passenger is shorter than would be usual; the Strattons were little people. Pony phaeton carriages were known for being lighter and faster than other types, and they were most often driven by the individual owner rather than by a hired driver. Because this was a smaller style of carriage, it was quicker to get around in. Also to the owner's advantage, pony phaetons were taxed less heavily than larger carriages. Both the front and rear wheels of this carriage are made of wood and have sixteen spokes. The front wheels measure about 33 inches in diameter, and the back ones measure about 37 inches.
Custom-made carriage of a type called a pony phaeton, made to measure for the celebrity couple Charles S. Stratton and M. Lavinia Warren, better known as "Gen. and Mrs. Tom Thumb," who lived in Bridgeport, Connecticut, when not on tour. The carriage was made by Tomlinson Carriage Co. of Bridgeport, most likely in the 1870s. It was made for the Stratton's personal use, not as a show carriage. The chassis and wheels are a typical size, however the height of the black calash top that protects the driver and passenger is shorter than would be usual; the Strattons were little people. Pony phaeton carriages were known for being lighter and faster than other types, and they were most often driven by the individual owner rather than by a hired driver. Because this was a smaller style of carriage, it was quicker to get around in. Also to the owner's advantage, pony phaetons were taxed less heavily than larger carriages. Both the front and rear wheels of this carriage are made of wood and have sixteen spokes. The front wheels measure about 33 inches in diameter, and the back ones measure about 37 inches.
Custom-made carriage of a type called a pony phaeton, made to measure for the celebrity couple Charles S. Stratton and M. Lavinia Warren, better known as "Gen. and Mrs. Tom Thumb," who lived in Bridgeport, Connecticut, when not on tour. The carriage was made by Tomlinson Carriage Co. of Bridgeport, most likely in the 1870s. It was made for the Stratton's personal use, not as a show carriage. The chassis and wheels are a typical size, however the height of the black calash top that protects the driver and passenger is shorter than would be usual; the Strattons were little people. Pony phaeton carriages were known for being lighter and faster than other types, and they were most often driven by the individual owner rather than by a hired driver. Because this was a smaller style of carriage, it was quicker to get around in. Also to the owner's advantage, pony phaetons were taxed less heavily than larger carriages. Both the front and rear wheels of this carriage are made of wood and have sixteen spokes. The front wheels measure about 33 inches in diameter, and the back ones measure about 37 inches.
1976.001.094