The Rock & Roll Americana Auction

Lot #1092:

Mrs. Tom Thumb (Lavinia Warren) Family CDV With Family Letter

Mrs. Tom Thumb (Lavinia Warren) Family CDV With Family Letter.

This is an insightful letter written by Benjamin J. Bump, a descendent family member of Mrs. General Tom Thumb (whose real name was Lavinia (Bump) Warren); who with her husband were best known as dwarf (midget) performers in P.T.. Barnum’s circus. The letter is accompanied by an original cabinet card (5.25 X 7.25, circa 1890s) of Count Magri, Countess Magri (Lavinia Warren) and Baron Magri. The card is ghost signed and inscribed Mrs. Tom Thumb on verso in an unknown hand. In his letter made on his stationery dated January 1, 1973, Bump writes, “…Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump was Mrs T. Thumb or Mrs. Charles Stratton. Tom was Charley Stratton. Barnum dropped the Bump & used Warren (Lavinia’s mother’s family name) cause he said people would never pay to see a person named Bump! Best of luck in the New Year, Ben.” The ensemble also includes a 12 X 9.5 (unfolded) vintage brochure from The Middleborough Historical Museum (Mass.) (One of the Largest Tom Thumb Collections).

Dimensions: Various, see above. The letter measures 6.5 in X 10 in.

Condition: Very Good.

Authenticity: Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.