Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 493

CDVs, General Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren, Wedding, 1863

Estimate: $100 - $200
Starting Bid
$50

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
Three carte-de-visite photographs document the February 10, 1863 wedding of Charles Sherwood Stratton, known as General Tom Thumb, and Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump, issued as souvenir portraits distributed to the public following their celebrated union. The center CDV is photographed from a Mathew Brady negative and published by E. and H.T. Anthony of 501 Broadway, New York, making it the most historically significant of the three. The left and right cards are engraved or lithographic reproductions printed on CDV mounts rather than albumen photographs.

The center photograph shows the couple standing full length in wedding dress, Lavinia wearing a full-skirted white gown, floral wreath, and drop earrings, while Stratton stands beside her in a dark suit with white waistcoat and bow tie. The left card bears the caption "Gen Tom Thumb and Lady" and presents a similar posed portrait composition. The right card, captioned "The Reception," depicts a multi-figure scene with the couple surrounded by full-skirted women and suited men beside a chandelier.

Stratton and Lavinia Warren were two of P.T. Barnum's most celebrated performers, and their wedding at Grace Church in New York drew national attention and press coverage. The Brady-Anthony CDV is among the best-documented souvenir photographs produced from that occasion.

The reverse of the center card reads "Compliments of Charles S. Stratton" and "Compliments of Lavinia Warren Stratton, From Photographic Negative By Brady." The left card reverse is inscribed in pencil "Stratton, Charles Sherwood 1838-1883 with Mercy Lavinia Bump (Tom Thumb)" with notations "9/08/14" and "Col. 2."

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