Famous Dwarf Women Lavinia Warren Stratton, wife of Gen. Tom Thumb Cabinet CDV. 
In good condition for it's age. Very clear photo around her Mrs. Warren, sepia photo. Performers her family with her husband General Tom Thumb, in circus and movies, etc.. Dressed in nice wardrobe in the photo setting. The front & back has some aging spots & foxing, light scratches soft to strong corners.  Cartes de Visite, D. Appleton & Co. 443 & 445 Broadway N.Y.  A.A. Turner Photographers. Her Name written in pencil on back. Measures 2 3/8" x 4" and the photo itself is 2 1/4" x 3 7/8". 

Midget (from midge, a sand fly) is a term for a person of unusually short stature that is widely considered pejorative. While not a medical term, it has been applied to persons of unusually short stature, often with the medical condition dwarfism, particularly proportionate dwarfism.

It may also refer to anything of much smaller than normal size, as a synonym for "miniature", such as a midget cell, a midget crabapple, MG's Midget, Daihatsu's Midget, and the Midget Mustang airplane; or to anything that regularly uses anything that is smaller than normal (other than a person), such as midget car racing and quarter midget racing; or a smaller version of play or participation, such as midget golf;  something for very young (i.e., small) participants—in many cases children—such as Disneyland's Midget Autopia, Midget hockey, and Midget football. 

       

Charles Sherwood Stratton as "General Tom Thumb", circa 1861.

Dwarfs and midgets have always been popular entertainers, but were often regarded with disgust and revulsion in society. In the early 19th century however, little people were romanticized by the middle class and regarded with the same affectionate condescension extended to children, as creatures of innocence. The term "midget" came into prominence in the mid-19th century after Harriet Beecher Stowe used it in her novels Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands and Old Town Folks where she described children and an extremely short man, respectively. P.T. Barnum indirectly helped popularize the term "midget" when he began featuring General Tom Thumb, Lavinia Warren and Commodore Nutt in his circus. "Midget" became linked to referencing short people put on public display for curiosity and sport. Barnum's midgets, however, were elevated to a position of High society, given fantasy military titles, introduced to dignitaries and royalty, and showered with gifts.

General Tom Thumb
Charles Sherwood Stratton and Lavinia Warren marriage.jpg
Charles Sherwood Stratton and Lavinia Warren wedding photo. From left to right: George Washington Morrison Nutt (1844–81), Charles Sherwood Stratton (1838–83), Lavinia Warren Stratton (1841–1919), Minnie Warren (1849–78).
BornCharles Sherwood Stratton
(1838-01-04)January 4, 1838
Bridgeport, Connecticut 
United States
DiedJuly 15, 1883(1883-07-15) (aged 45)
Bridgeport, Connecticut 
United States
Cause of deathStroke 
Resting placeMountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgport, Connecticut
United States
NationalityUnited States
Known forCelebrity Circus performer
Height102 cm (3.35 ft)
Weight32 kg (71 lb)
Spouse(s)   Lavinia Warren (1863–1919

Such performances continued to be widespread through the mid part of the twentieth century, with Hermines Midgets brought from their performances in Paris to appear at the 1939 New York World's fair, the same year that MGM released The Wizard of Oz, which featured 124 midgets in its cast, most of which were from the Singer's Midgets troupe. 

When interviewed for a 1999 piece, performers engaged in ongoing "Midget Wrestling" events stated that they did not view the term "Midget Wrestling" as derogatory, but merely descriptive of their small size;however, others responding to the piece disagreed, with one stating that the performances themselves perpetuated an outdated and demeaning image.

As of the 21st century, the word became considered by some as a pejorative term when in reference to people with dwarfism. One noted exception, though, was accomplished actor Herve Villechaize who preferred the term "midget".

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Item is from an estate, pre-owned condition with normal standard wear from age and usage, not new nor perfect, but definitely nostalgic.  No Restocking Fees.  Free Shipping in U.S.A. only (we do pay the shipping/not free/Standard 1st Class).

These cards/photos/collectibles, are from a Family Estate held in storage for past 26 yrs. or so. You buy "as is", Estate does not wish to spend any additional monies to sell these items or to authenticate. Authenticated items were sold first, now these are the remnant of that large collection of various items that have been placed up for sale.  Thus, advertised as such, for a reasonable price, if you are a collector you know the costs, so items are sold for liquidation only purposes. Please refer to the Photos. We do combined Invoices, just place in cart and pay once at the end of your bidding and/or Buy It Now purchases are done, thanks.

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Terms, shipping and Conditions:   As with all, of our items, what you see is exactly what you'll get.  Up for auction and/or Buy It Now, is described in the Title box.   This item is from a family collection that they collected/bought as early as the 1970's, when they had a brick n mortar as this was their business since 1981, prior to his passing in 2007, with too many items to grade, appraise or otherwise, and has been in storage for 26+ years (in possession/storage since before 2007).  Any questions or concerns please email prior to bidding/purchase to ensure your satisfaction of the item you are looking to purchase, and please refer to the photos, for your opinion of condition, etc.  If you are truly interested in this item, feel free to email an offer, if bidding hasn't already begun.  If it has already been bid on, the item has to go through the auction process.  We have a 30-Day Return Policy, so be assured of your satisfaction. Please review the return item details: Buyer pays all shipping returns, insurance and additional certification costs.  Please review our feedback. If there is a problem, we will be quick to resolve it, (even after receipt of purchase, before leaving neutral/negative feedback contact us, thank you). Payment via PayPal within 3 days (unless you know of a delay contact us).  Please leave your positive feedback, any problems or neutral feedback contact us first as we will correctly, swiftly and we will do the same on feedback because we enjoy satisfied customers.   Free Shipping in the US Only, any questions about shipping, foreign or domestic, please ask prior, so check out our other many selection of items and if you win more than one bid we will send you a revised invoice. Thank you for your Offers, Bids and Purchases. Items when paid (all fees, shipping included), will ship the same day if paid prior to 2:30 pm central time and/or the following business day usually with tracking confirmation for ease of watching its arrival on eBay system, thanks, we appreciate you. We are a clean and smoke free environment. Thanks for your interest!  Enjoy, Happy bidding on eBay!

Famous Dwarf Women Lavinia Warren Stratton, wife of Gen. Tom Thumb Cabinet CDV.


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