Hartford Manufacturing Co

An antique 19th-century photographic case in gutta-percha or molded material showing George Washington on a boat surrounded by his troops. Box that served as protection for an old photograph. Made in the United States in the mid-19th century, this thermoplastic Union Case-type case attributed to Hartford Manufacturing Co. illustrates the rise of pressed-mold thermoplastic housings based on gutta-percha and wood fibers, designed to house daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, or ferrotypes in miniature format. The exterior bas-relief bears the commemorative neoclassical profile of George Washington, framed by floral and geometric ornamentation characteristic of the pre-Civil War American period. This ensemble, functioning as a presentation and preservation case devoid of refracting elements or mechanical shutter, does not involve considerations of mechanical exposure or image circle. Mount adapters are not included. Technical Condition & Specifications Brand and Model: Hartford Manufacturing Co. – Photo case "Union Case" with the George Washington profile Manufacturing Year/Era: c. 1855–1865 (United States) Serial Number / Catalog Code: Not applicable to molded thermoplastic cases (typological reference documented in Krainik / Berg collection catalogs) Cosmetic Grade: Very Good (Very good condition of the molded reliefs; superficial wear on edges and era hinge, with no major structural loss observed)

Estimate:£710.34

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