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#32358: JOSEPH JEFFERSON as Rip Van Winkle, c. 1869 Crisp CDV of this great actor, by Sarony & Co. of New York, famed theatrical photographers. Image is imprinted "J. Jefferson as Rip Van Winkle" and pencil dated 1869. Reverse has imprint of Sarony & Co., 680 Broadway, New York. Napoleon Sarony and Alfred S. Campbell. Image has two minuscule stains at top, on on image edge, other on mount. Negative is signed Sarony.

Jefferson (1829-1905) was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of actors. He first appeared on stage at the age of four. He established reputation as a first-rate actor by the late 1850's, and debuted his Rip van Winkle character in 1859, later taking it around the world. $75.00

#32359: CHARLES DECKER, Sideshow Midget 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. Impring on the face of the mount reads "Mr. Chas. Decker, 27 Years Old, Height 31 Inches, Weight 45 lbs.". Superb collectible. $75.00

#32360: CHARLES FISHER, Canadian Politician Outstanding CDV of this leading Canadian Reformer and politician, from the National Photographic Portrait Gallery of Mathew Brady (New York and Washington). Beautiful image, probably taken shortly before Fisher's death, with full Brady imprint on reverse.

Fisher (1808-1880) born in Fredericton, Canada, began his active political career in 1837. He became leader of the opposition and then Premier and Attorney-General on New Brunswick Province, Canada, in 1854. He remained active in Canadian politics until his appointment in 1868 to the New Brunswick Supreme Court. $95.00

#32361: ARTEMUS WARD, humor writer and lecturer Born Charles Farrar Browne (1834-1867) in Waterford, Maine, he contributed writings to various daily and weekly publications before introducing his "Artemus Ward" series in the Cleveland Plain Dealer in 1858.

He was reportedly Abraham Lincoln's favorite author, and is reputed to have influenced Mark Twain in his writings. Traveling to England in 1866, he remained there and died of tuberculosis in Southampton in 1867.

This outstanding CDV was probably taken c. 1864-1865, and bears the imprint of (Charles) Fontayne (formerly in daguerreian fame in Cincinnati, Ohio), at his 561 Broadway, New York City, address. Image is vignetted, and in Excellent condition. $195.00

#32362: ARTEMUS WARD, humor writer and lecturer Born Charles Farrar Browne (1834-1867) in Waterford, Maine, he contributed writings to various daily and weekly publications before introducing his "Artemus Ward" series in the Cleveland Plain Dealer in 1858.

This outstanding CDV was probably taken c. 1864; it is unidentified as to photographer, but bears a revenue stamp on the reverse. Almost microscopic marks in negative, and shows Ward in full jacket and cravat, with his distinctive large mustache. Penciled identification on bottom of mount, and on reverse. Outstanding image $195.00

#32363: WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT, poet and editor An outstanding "vignetted" portrait of Bryant, by Sarony at his 680 Broadway, New York City studio. Face of mount is imprinted with the studio address and Bryant's name.

Bryant (1794-1878) was born in Massachusetts. A student at Williams College, he became a lawyer in 1815, but penned his first fast-selling poem in 1808. He would win recognition as America's leading poet in 1832. But before that, he became editor of the New York Review in 1825, and then Editor-in-Chief of the New York Evening Post, a post he would hold from 1828 until his death in 1878. $95.00