Scovill Union case, 2 of 3

A rectangular shaped union case for holding early photographs. Sixth plate in size, the body of the case is made of compression moulded shellac (secretions of the lac beetle) with wood powder filler. It has an intricate, moulded geometric design on both sides with the engravers name at the very top on the top half, and at the very bottom of the bottom half: SMITH, assumed to be J. Smith the American engraver (not to be confused with John Smith, English Union case manufacturer). The case was manufactured by S.Peck & H.Halverson, c. 1855-1860. The case contains a purple coloured, velvet lined cushion on the left, providing protection to the glass on the right, with two embedded brass hinges and an integrated spring clasp. Union cases were used to carry light-sensitive early photographs like ambrotypes or daguerreotypes to prevent them from fading and over 1000 different designs are known to exist. This example appears unused.

printed: "GENUINE UNION CASE, IMPROVED. Fine Gilt and Burnished Hinge. S. PECK'S PATENT. Oct. 3d, 1854. H. HALVERSON'S PATENT, Aug. 7th, 1855, Assigned to S.Peck." (on paper behind glass plate)

AIBDC : 009282