Union case (leeg) c. 1856

This is an empty, octagonal wooden case, crafted by American artist Samuel Peck circa 1856. The dark wood case has a slightly worn brown surface and gold hinges. This “Union case” is likely meant to hold a locket or other miniature portrait, a popular form of personal portraiture in the mid-nineteenth century. While this specific case is empty, it serves as an example of the type of object that might have held a portrait of a loved one or a significant historical figure. The piece is small, measuring only 100mm in height, 123mm in width, and 24mm in thickness.