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You know, when I saw these molds, I wondered why the figures were so "child like". Theydon't seemto be adult, more like dolls. Now I know why.
A fellow er informed me these molds were created to capitalize on the world-widepassion for"little persons" General Tom Thumb and his Bride, Lavinia Bump. GeneralTom wasa star with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was also a distant cousin of P.T. Barnum.
Lavinia was also a little person, and the two were the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce of the1860s. Below is an account of their wedding fromthe website for the Barnum Museum: When Charles Stratton married fellow little person Lavinia Warren Bump – the “Queen of Beauty” – in New York City in February 1863 (happy anniversary, by the way!), the “Fairy Wedding” was such a society event that it knocked Civil War coverage off the New York Times front page for three days straight, and caused the national news media to obsess over every detail. “For the benefit of our lady readers” the Brooklyn Daily Eagle described Lavinia’s dress – a satin gown, “trimmed with point lace of a very rich quality.” The couple visited President and Mrs. Lincoln in the White House after their grand wedding and reception, at which Tiffany and Co. gifted the couple a silver miniature horse and chariot.
Okay, back to the listing. Please look at Photo #3, and see the metal-work in Lavinia'sBridalVeil. A LOT of talent went into creating this couple.
These molds are Early Versions. My research indicates the Eppelsheimer Companyof New York, which made these molds,changed them in later versions, despite keepingthe mold numbers the same.
With the older molds, like these, the textures on the bridal veil and dress aremore elaborate,as is theBridal bouquet. It is larger and has more ribbons cascading downfrom the flowersthanlater versions.
The Groom, in his top hat and tuxedo, has a moustache, a carefully carved boutonniere withpetals in the flower, and a button inthe center of his shirt.
This set is also a bit larger than later versions.The Groom is 5 inches tall, the Bride measuresjust over 4 1/2 inches high.
This fashionable couple wandered into my life when I bought several antique Ice Cream andChocolateMolds at an estate sale,near Stanford University in Northern California. A familymemberwas selling off a loved-one'scollection. Some itemshave stickers stating the number,make,year, or whether themold is a rare one.
Each of these molds has a hand-written sticker on its bottom. The stickers are the same,and they read: Pair 586.50 / 7/92
The Eppelsheimer Company was formed in 1880 in New York City. The mold numbers onthis couple are seen in relief on the back, under the name of the manufacturer, E & Co. N.Y.The moldnumber on the Bride is 1148. The Groom's number is 1149. Those numbers wereusedin the later versions of the bridal couple, but again-- the size and details were changed inlater years.
DIMENSIONS:Bride measures just over 4 1/2 inches high. the diameter of the base of the mold is 2 inches.Groom is 5 inches tall. the diameter of the base is 1 3/4 inches.Combined Weight: 12 ounces
NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:I will only ship outside of the U.S. through 's Global Shipping Program. No exceptions, please, it protectsus both.
Thanks for looking. I'm happy to combine shipping when possible!
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