Union case (leeg) c. 1860

This is a daguerreotype case made by Parsons & Co. Littlefield sometime between 1856 and 1857. These cases were designed to protect daguerreotypes, a popular form of photography in the mid-19th century. What makes this case particularly interesting is the inscription inside, highlighting that Littlefield, Parsons & Co. are the ‘sole proprietors and only legal Manufacturers of UNION CASES, with the Embracing Riveted Hinge.’ This wasn't just about craftsmanship; it was about controlling the market. The daguerreotype was revolutionary, capturing images in a way never before possible, and companies like Littlefield, Parsons & Co. sought to capitalize on this new technology. The language used in the inscription also reveals the importance of patent law and intellectual property in this period. It indicates a desire to establish legitimacy and market dominance in the burgeoning photography industry. By examining business records, legal documents, and advertisements, we can uncover more about the market forces that shaped not only the production of these cases but also the dissemination and consumption of photography itself.