comprising of 9 Carte de Visite images and a period booklet titled 'The Life of that Wonderful & Extraordinary Human Mammoth Daniel Lambert who weighed 52 stones 11 pounds.....with an interesting description of General Tom Thumb who weighed only 15 pounds' printed 1892, many of the Carte de Visite images signed to the rear 'Compliments of Charles S. Stratton.

Charles Sherwood Stratton, better known as General Tom Thumb, was born on January 4, 1838, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to parents of medium height. Despite starting as a normal-sized baby, he stopped growing after six months, remaining at 25 inches tall and 15 pounds by his first birthday. His unique condition caught the attention of Phineas T. Barnum, who turned him into a sensation in the world of entertainment.

Barnum, a showman and entrepreneur, taught General Tom Thumb various skills, transforming him into a performer who could sing, dance, mime, and impersonate famous figures. To promote his act, Barnum named him General Tom Thumb, after a popular English fairy tale. At the age of five, Stratton embarked on his first tour across America, portraying characters like Cupid and Napoleon Bonaparte.

The duo's success led to a European tour, where General Tom Thumb became an international celebrity. He even performed before Queen Victoria and met the young Prince of Wales. Stratton's popularity soared, and he triumphed in various plays and performances across Europe. His return to the United States marked a shift in the perception of "freak shows," as General Tom Thumb's lively and entertaining acts garnered widespread acceptance.

Under Barnum's management, General Tom Thumb continued to perform in grand fairytale melodramas, showcasing not only his small stature but also his talents as an actor, singer, dancer, and comedian. By his 21st birthday, he stood at 2 feet 10 inches tall, becoming a Freemason alongside much taller peers.

In 1863, General Tom Thumb made headlines by marrying Lavinia Warren, also a little person. The extravagant wedding and reception, attended by thousands, showcased their celebrity status. The couple toured Europe and British India, becoming wealthy under Barnum's guidance. Despite financial troubles faced by Barnum, Stratton supported him, and they eventually became business partners.

Tragedy struck in 1883 when a fire broke out at the Newhall House in Milwaukee, but General Tom Thumb and his wife were saved by their manager. Just six months later, Stratton died unexpectedly of a stroke at the age of 45. His funeral drew over 20,000 attendees, and P.T. Barnum honored him with a life-sized statue at his gravesite.

General Tom Thumb's extreme shortness, attributed to pituitary dwarfism, remained unknown during his lifetime. He was buried with Masonic honors, reflecting his involvement in the fraternity. The cause of his small stature could not be determined with the medical techniques of the time.

In 1959, vandals damaged the statue of Tom Thumb, but it was later restored with public support. Today, Charles Sherwood Stratton's legacy endures as a pioneering entertainer who overcame societal perceptions and left an indelible mark on the history of performance arts.