Bidspirit auction | Circa 1850s-1860s S. Peck &

Circa 1850s-1860s S. Peck & Co. Octagonal Thermoplastic Union Case - A mid-19th century octagonal Union Case manufactured by S. Peck & Co. of New Haven, Connecticut. The case is constructed from compression-molded thermoplastic, a period composite of sawdust, shellac, and pigment, featuring a dark brown, near-black finish. The exterior displays high-relief molded decoration consisting of elaborate scrollwork, floral motifs, and a central textured oval medallion framed by stylized foliate borders. The case is joined by two brass hinges and a side clasp. The interior left side contains an embossed brown velvet pad featuring a central floral and urn design within a scrollwork border. The interior right side retains a decorative brass mat with an oval aperture and a protective glass cover. Beneath the glass is a yellow paper label printed in black ink reading GENUINE / UNION CASE, / IMPROVED. / Fine Gilt and Burnished / Hinge. / S. PECK & CO., / MANUFACTURERS. This case was originally designed to house a daguerreotype or ambrotype photograph. The thermoplastic body shows a significant diagonal crack and associated chip loss on the outer edge of the back cover (photo 4). The molded exterior relief remains sharp with minor dust accumulation in the recessed areas (photos 1 and 2). The brass hinges and interior mat show natural oxidation and tarnish consistent with age (photos 3 and 7). The interior velvet pad shows light wear and moderate color fading (photo 6). The manufacturer’s label is intact and legible (photo 7).