Full length standing view. Caption on lower edge of mount reads, “Commodore Nutt and Miss Minnie Warren, / in the identical costumes worn before Emperor Louis / Napoleon and the Empress Eugenie, at the Palace of / the Tuilleries, Nov. 29, 1864”. BM: Published by E. & H.T. Anthony, New York. Facsimile signatures on reverse. Overall good condition; light soiling, minor wear. Contrast is light.

Commodore Nutt (George Washington Morrison Nutt; April 1, 1848 – May 25, 1881) was an American entertainer. He was a dwarf born in New Hampshire. In 1861, he was touring New England with a circus when P. T. Barnum hired him to appear at the American Museum in New York City. Barnum gave Nutt the stage name Commodore Nutt, a wardrobe that included naval uniforms, and a miniature carriage in the shape of an English walnut. Nutt became one of the Museum's major attractions.

Nutt was in love with Lavinia Warren, another dwarf at the American Museum. Lavinia was several years older than Nutt. She thought of him only as a "nice little boy". She married General Tom Thumb in a spectacular wedding masterminded by Barnum in 1863. Nutt went to the wedding as Thumb's best man, but resented his place in the show. He stayed away from women for a long time after the wedding. In 1879, he married Lilian Elston of Redwood City, California.

Nutt toured the world between 1869 and 1872 with the Thumbs and Lavinia's sister, Minnie Warren. They returned to America rich beyond their dreams after appearing before royalty around the world. Nutt left Barnum's employ after a disagreement with the showman. He toured with a comic opera company, put together a variety show on the United States West Coast, and operated western saloons in Oregon and California. He returned to New York City, and died there of Bright's disease in May 1881.    [ld]

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