Commodore Nutt Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Commodore Nutt (1848-1881) when he joined PT Barnum's circus gang in 1861.  On stage, Barnum dressed Nutt in miniature naval uniforms and gave him a tiny carriage in the shape of an English walnut for his act.  At 29 inches tall and 25 pounds (by the time of his death he grew to 43inches and 70 lbs), Nutt rivaled General Tom Thumb, also part of Barnum's circus, as they both sought the love of Lavina Warren, the beauty queen of little people.  Nutt lost Lavina to Thumb, and to show respect, Nutt stood as Thumb's best man at their wedding. In 1869, the three of them embarked on a world tour, bringing along Minnie Warren (Lavina's sister) as part of a four person act. When they returned to America in 1872, Nutt and Thumb had a falling out, the dispute sent Nutt on his own solo act. He managed a variety show and later ran saloons in the Western United States, but never met the success he had while on tour with the Thumbs.