Physical object: Token featuring Charles S. Stratton (Gen. Tom Thumb), his history on reverse
Coin souvenir
Game counter
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1844 (Date manufactured/created)
Metal token or coin-type souvenir featuring on its face a relief (slightly dimensional) image of "General Tom Thumb." The token was made during the first year of P. T. Barnum and Charles Stratton's three-year tour of Europe, when Barnum was introducing the young boy to heads of state, royalty, and the public. Stratton is shown standing on a desk by a stack of books with a quill pen and other writing tools by his feet.
The image is copied from a print portrait by Charles Baugniet. The setting, with its books and other common items, is intended to show Stratton's diminutive size. The standing book is titled "Royal Court Guide 1844," a reference to Charles needing to learn court etiquette prior to his meeting Queen Victoria. Near the top edge, the image is titled "CHARLES S. STRATTON, KNOWN AS GENERAL TOM THUMB. 25 in hgh [inches high]." At the bottom, the manufacturer's name reads: "ALLEN & MOORE F: BIRMm [Birmingham, England] 1844."
On the reverse side is text with information about Stratton, some of it incorrect. The text near the top edge reads: "UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE QUEEN AND COURT OF ENGLAND." Smaller text near the lower edge reads: PUB. BY P. T. BARNUM, AMERICAN MUSEUM, NEW YORK. 1844". The main body of text reads: "Gen'l Tom Thumb / Jan. 11, 1832 [Jan. 4, 1838 was his correct birthdate] / At Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA / At his birth weighed 9 lb 2 oz / And he was a handsome, hearty / and promising boy./ He increased in size and weight till / 7 months old and then weighed 15 lb. / and measured 25 in. / Since which time he has not increased in size or weight: / Is perfect and elegant / in his proportions, / and has always been / in good health.
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 image is copied from a print portrait by Charles Baugniet. The setting, with its books and other common items, is intended to show Stratton's diminutive size. The standing book is titled "Royal Court Guide 1844," a reference to Charles needing to learn court etiquette prior to his meeting Queen Victoria. Near the top edge, the image is titled "CHARLES S. STRATTON, KNOWN AS GENERAL TOM THUMB. 25 in hgh [inches high]." At the bottom, the manufacturer's name reads: "ALLEN & MOORE F: BIRMm [Birmingham, England] 1844."
On the reverse side is text with information about Stratton, some of it incorrect. The text near the top edge reads: "UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE QUEEN AND COURT OF ENGLAND." Smaller text near the lower edge reads: PUB. BY P. T. BARNUM, AMERICAN MUSEUM, NEW YORK. 1844". The main body of text reads: "Gen'l Tom Thumb / Jan. 11, 1832 [Jan. 4, 1838 was his correct birthdate] / At Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA / At his birth weighed 9 lb 2 oz / And he was a handsome, hearty / and promising boy./ He increased in size and weight till / 7 months old and then weighed 15 lb. / and measured 25 in. / Since which time he has not increased in size or weight: / Is perfect and elegant / in his proportions, / and has always been / in good health.
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.
2004.005.011