Lege union case 1858 - 1866

This "Union case," made by Littlefield, Parsons & Co., was designed to hold a daguerreotype, an early type of photograph. But more interestingly, it’s not made of wood or leather as you might expect. Instead, it’s an early form of plastic, a composite of paper, shellac, and dye. The material itself, known as "thermoplastic," could be molded under heat and pressure, allowing for elaborate decorative effects like the floral and geometric patterns seen here. Mass production was key to the case’s appeal, and the manufacturer proudly advertises their patented "Embracing Riveted Hinge." The very name “Union case” suggests its significance at the time. Patented in 1856 and 1857, right before the American Civil War, its name speaks to the fractured state of the American nation. So, next time you see a humble object like this, remember that its materials, making, and historical context are all crucial to its meaning. It blurs the lines between craft and mass manufacture, artwork and design object, in a way that makes you think about social divisions, labor, and production.