Union Cases were designed for daguerreotypes
Q. This is a photo of a picture case that I have. It measures 3 3/4 inches by 3 3/4 inches and is decorated with an intricate design on the top and around the edge. Inside is a picture of a girl. I think the case is plastic and have been told there were products years ago that were plastic. The case has the words "Holmes, Booth and Hayden - Daguerreotype, Photographic and Ambrotype Goods of Every Description."
I would appreciate any information you can give me.
A. You have a Union Case used to display a daguerreotype plate. It is a thermoplastic case that was made by Holmes, Booth and Hayden in the 1850s. Samuel Peck introduced the process around 1853. The process was created by heating the combination or the union of several materials that included fibrous material, wood fiber, gum shellac and color dye, thus the name "Union Case." Daguerreotypes were fragile and were easily scratched and damaged. Union Cases provided good protection. Although there were several makers of "Union Cases," Holmes, Booth and Hayden were the first to develop and use a range of colors other than black or brown. The cases were hinged to prevent them from flopping open. Some collectors refer to the thermoplastic cases as being made of gutta-percha, which is a very different process and incorrect term. There is no evidence that gutta-percha was used to make the cases. Daguerreotypes were replaced by tin types, and the demand for the thermoplastic cases faded by the late 1800s.
Your antique "Union Case" was made around 1853 and would probably be worth $150 to $300.
Q. I have enclosed the mark that is on the bottom of a porcelain female figurine that belonged to my great-grandmother. She stands on a gold-trimmed base and overall is about 12 inches tall. She is wearing a hat and a pastel long dress trimmed with tiny flowers. At her feet is a small dog, and she is holding a basket.
I plan to give my figurine to my granddaughter and would like to know more about the maker, vintage and value.
A. Sitzendorf Porcelain Factory made your figurine in the early 1900s. They have been located in Thuringia, Germany, since 1845. Sitzendorf Porcelain pieces are known for their high quality and workmanship. Much of their work has been inspired by early Meissen porcelain.
Your figurine would probably be worth $125 to $175.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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