Jewelry: Cufflink belonging to Charles S. Stratton
Unknown creator, American (created by)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (previously owned by)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (previously owned by)
1845 – 1883 (Date manufactured/created)
Single gold cufflink belonging to Charles S. Stratton, better known by his stage name, "General Tom Thumb." The question of when Stratton wore it remains unknown. Based on the fact it has survived, it may be related to a special occasion such as his marriage in 1863, but the delicacy of the cufflink suggests that it was worn when he was much younger, well before his wedding. This cufflink was likely worn in what is known as the barrel style, made famous by entertainer and P.T. Barnum competitor Dan Rice. The barrel style involved overlapping the two ends of the cuff (the same as is done with a button closure) and inserting the cufflink through the aligned buttonholes. With this method, the decorative plate is visible on the outside of the cuff, and the opposite end--in this case, a metal loop--is hidden on the inside. The barrel method is different from the better known French cuff style in which the two ends of the cuff are pinched together instead of overlapped, and the cufflink is inserted through all layers so that both ends are showing.
The faceplate of the cufflink is an oval shape with scalloped edges. The oval surface is finely engraved with concentric ovals, the outer one featuring an edging of tiny points or a "sawtooth" edge. The gold has a high percentage of copper in it, which gives the gold a rose color than yellow gold. The maker and date of this cufflink are unknown.
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. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The faceplate of the cufflink is an oval shape with scalloped edges. The oval surface is finely engraved with concentric ovals, the outer one featuring an edging of tiny points or a "sawtooth" edge. The gold has a high percentage of copper in it, which gives the gold a rose color than yellow gold. The maker and date of this cufflink are unknown.
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. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
1976.001.109