1869 Miniature Bicycle Used by Tom Thumb
Add to SetSummary
Topliff and Ely, an Ohio company, presented this reduced-size velocipede to General Tom Thumb, the stage name of Charles Sherwood Stratton. This diminutive performer, who only reached a height of 40 inches, got his start with P. T. Barnum. Stratton turned his small stature into a profitable career entertaining both royalty and the common man.
Topliff and Ely, an Ohio company, presented this reduced-size velocipede to General Tom Thumb, the stage name of Charles Sherwood Stratton. This diminutive performer, who only reached a height of 40 inches, got his start with P. T. Barnum. Stratton turned his small stature into a profitable career entertaining both royalty and the common man.
Artifact
Bicycle
Date Made
1869
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
30.120.27
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Steel (Alloy)
Wood (Plant material)
Leather
Dimensions
Length: 30 in
Width: 12.25 in
Height: 19.5 in
Wheelbase: 15.75 in
Inscriptions
At prong of seat is metal shield: PRESENTED / TO / GENL. TOM THUMB / BY / TOPLIFF & ELY / MAKERS / ELYRIA, O / 1869
Share Anywhere
Use this Artifact Card to share this great find with others. From historic images to vivid descriptions, a record of rich detail is bundled inside a single card.
