Transportation T & E: Nautical spyglass owned by Charles S. Stratton
Telescope
Unknown creator, American (created by)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1860 – 1870 (Date manufactured/created)
leather with brass
6 in H
X
1.5 in W
17 in L
Nautical spyglass or telescope that belonged to Charles S. Stratton, better known by his stage name, General Tom Thumb. The cylindrical object is made of brass and glass, and has an outer covering of brown leather, with two protective rings of finely twisted cord. Some of the brass rings appear to have been "japanned" or blackened. When closed the spyglass measures 6 inches long; fully extended, it measures 13.25 inches. Although the spyglass is small, it is a standard size, not a miniature version custom made for Stratton, who was a little person. There are two tubes that pull out from the main cylinder, hence this is called a "two-draw" spyglass. The spyglass was very likely acquired by Stratton who, in his mid-thirties, purchased a racing yacht called the Maggie B. It was acquired after his 1872 world tour, with Stratton having bought it from a man named Henry R. Bishop, with the intent to clean it up and use it for racing. Charles himself worked the tiller, and apparently he invited Barnum and his family onto the vessel, as Barnum's grandson Clinton Seeley recalled being on it when he was a child. The Barnum Museum also owns two nautical compasses used by Stratton on his yachts. 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. Their wealth allowed them to enjoy luxuries and hobbies, such as owning homes in several locations, and yachting. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
EL 1988.129.001