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 496

Stereoview, Marriage of Gen'l Tom Thumb, Brady, 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
General Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren stand at the altar in this albumen stereoview published in 1863 from a photographic negative by Mathew Brady and distributed through Martin's Gallery of Stereoscopic Views, New York. The copyright line printed along the bottom border reads "Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1863, by Brady & Co. in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the U.S. for the So. District of New York." The title "The Marriage of Gen'l Tom Thumb" is printed vertically along both side borders.

Lavinia wears a full-skirted white bridal gown with floral wreath and veil, while Tom Thumb stands beside her in a dark formal suit, the two joining hands before a standing clergyman in white surplice and dark stole who reads from an open book. A young bridesmaid in a white flower-crowned dress stands to the right, and a small male attendant in a dark suit appears at the far left. Gothic architectural details, including a rose window and carved stonework, form the backdrop.

Charles Sherwood Stratton, known professionally as General Tom Thumb, and Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump were married on February 10, 1863, at Grace Church in New York City. The wedding was one of the most celebrated events of the era, arranged in part by P.T. Barnum and attended by thousands, drawing international press coverage.

The reverse bears a 3-cent proprietary revenue stamp dated August 25, 1864, and a pasted dealer label for Martin's Gallery of Stereoscopic Views, 315 Third St., St. Paul, listing agency affiliations with the London Stereoscopic Company and others. Pencil notations "8/27/10," "LOABFZ," and "BB" appear in the lower margin.

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