Littlefield, Parsons & Co. (United States, NYC, NY, 1858-1866) [1]
Rare Daguerreotype Case, Geometric 3-407, 1/6th [2]
Thermoplastic Union Case, velvet pad, metal hinges and clasp
“Tough Guys” Tintype behind concave glass
3 5/8” high x 3 1/8” wide
Catalogue Notes: This ‘Union’ case has been classified by Berg as 3-407 Geometric with the classification ‘Rare’ and made by the Littlefield, Parsons & Co [L. P. & Co.] between 1858 and 1866. L.P. & Co. were the successors to Alfred Critchlow’s A. P. Critchlow Co. (est. 1853) which was sold to David G. Littlefield (1857) who rebranded the following year. They marketed themselves as, “the sole Proprietors and only legal Manufacturers of Union Cases, with the Embracing Riveted Hinge. Patented, Oct. 14, 1856, & April 21, 1857” while using techniques and processes designed and patented by Samuel Peck, in association with Scovill Manufacturing Co. MA, which L.P. & Co. took over at their own inception. [3]
The unknown trio of sitters are “Tough Guys” dressed in similar striped pants, white shirts, dark button vest, dark coats, and bowler hats. All have stern expressions, a cigar handing out of their mouths and the two flanking the central sitter are using their thumbs as rests in their vest buttons/pocket. Together they say here we are, don’t mess with us.
Markings: original papers, “LITTLEFIELD, PARSONS & CO., / – MANUFACTURERS OF – / Daguerreotype Cases. / ~ / L., P. & CO., / Are the sole Proprietors and only / legal Manufacturers of / UNION CASES, / WITH THE / Embracing Riveted Hinge. / – / Patented, / Oct. 14, 1856, & April 21, 1857.”
Condition: Antique, Good Condition.
The case is excellent with the lightest signs of wear, and the velvet is clean with a bright, lush pile and impressed with a geometric design sympathetic to that on the case. For accuracy, there are two chips, one near the hinge and a smaller one near the opening (see pics). The photograph, a tintype, is mounted in a metal frame impressed with a decorative pattern, it is appropriately tab mounted around the slightly convex glass and photo, it has one spot of breakage. The hinge works well and the clasp closes with a snap, as it should, and holds secure.
Footnotes, Literature, and Bibliography:
[1] History of the Miniature Case, Paul K. Berg
[2] 19th Century Photographic Cases and Wall Frames, 2nd Ed. Paul K. Berg. 2003. Pp.287
[3] Connecticut History Society, Museum & Library, Samuel Peck (American, 1844-1857)
