Bidspirit auction | Mid-19th Century Thermoplastic Union Case

Mid-19th Century Thermoplastic Union Case with Equestrian Scene and Quarter Plate Portrait - An American mid-19th century thermoplastic Union case of rectangular form. The exterior is molded in high relief on both the front and back with a central pastoral vignette titled Alone at the Rendezvous. This scene depicts a woman in 18th-century style dress riding a horse side-saddle, accompanied by a dog in a wooded landscape. The central image is bordered by an elaborate scrolling foliate and Rococo-style frame. The case is constructed from a dark brown/black thermoplastic material. The interior houses a quarter-plate portrait of three children. The image is set behind glass within a decorative gilt-brass mat featuring a pebbled texture and scalloped inner edge, secured by a foliate-stamped brass preserver frame. The opposite interior side features a deep burgundy velvet pressure pad with a centrally embossed scrolling floral and geometric design. The case is joined by two original brass hinges. There are no maker's marks or manufacturer labels visible on the exterior, the interior velvet, or behind the photograph. The case measures approximately 4 3/4 inches wide by 3 3/4 inches high. 4 3/4 inches (W) x 3 3/4 inches (H) x 3/4 inches (D). The thermoplastic case shows several areas of loss and chipping. Significant chips are visible at the upper left corner of the front cover (photo 1) and the lower right corner (photo 3). Additional small chips and edge wear are present along the perimeter of the interior frame (photo 6 and 7). The original brass hinges are intact but show tarnish and slight misalignment when the case is closed (photo 4). The interior velvet pad shows minor compression and localized wear at the top edge where a small portion of the backing is visible (photo 6). The gilt-brass mat and preserver exhibit typical oxidation and tarnish (photo 8). The photograph shows moderate surface spotting and dust accumulation under the glass (photo 5).