Unidentified photographer / artist
1882
Charles Decker

Carte de visite
Craigs Camera
Decker, born in 1855, grew to an adult only 32 inches high and weighing 45 pounds. He claimed to be the Smallest Man in the World as he traveled sideshows and museums around the country. He was reportedly very intelligent, and a mechanical genius. He died at the age of 38 in Chicago, Ill.
 
This crisp CDV is delicately tinted, and shows the small man standing beside a normal size studio chair. The photographer is not identified, but was apparently taken in 1882. Imprint on the face of the mount reads "Mr. Chas. Decker, 27 Years Old, Height 31 Inches, Weight 45 lbs.".
 
[Comments courtesy of John Craig - www.craigscamera.com, Feb 2010]
 
LL/34751