Antique 1/6 Plate Union Case Krainik196 Bluebells Littlefield Parsons Co 1856📋 Item Specifics FieldValueTypePhotograph Cases / Union CaseProduction TechniqueThermoplastic (Molded Composition / Wood Flour & Shellac)Format / SizeOne-Sixth Plate (1/6 Plate)Dimensions3-3/8" x 3-7/8" (External)ManufacturerLittlefield, Parsons & Co.Patents IndicatedOctober 14, 1856 & April 21, 1857 (Riveted Hinge)Design Catalog #Krainik 196 ("Bluebells in Oval")RarityScarce VariantTime Period Manufactured1850-1899 (Circa 1858)Country/Region of ManufactureUnited States📝 Detailed Item DescriptionTitle:Rare 1/6 Plate Littlefield, Parsons & Co. "Bluebells in Oval" Union Case (Krainik 196) — Circa 1858Introduction:
Up for sale is an authentic, highly collectible mid-19th-century AmericanUnion Casefeaturing the beautifully rendered"Bluebells in Oval"motif. Molded by the prominent firmLittlefield, Parsons & Co., this piece is an exceptionally preserved example of America's earliest molded plastics, historically produced to house treasured daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, or tintypes.Design History & Rarity Profile:
- Catalog Designation:Krainik 196. This specific high-relief floral mold is officially indexed and documented in the standard collector's guide,Union Cases: A Collector's Guide to the Art of America's First Plasticsby Clifford and Michele Krainik.
- Rarity Status:Formally classified asScarce. While geometric frames or basic single-rose variants dominate the market, the draping bell-shaped blossoms of the Krainik 196 variant are significantly harder to acquire and actively sought after by advanced photography enthusiasts.
- Plate Size Distinction:Measuring exactly3-3/8" x 3-7/8", this case is executed in the unusualone-sixth plate (1/6 plate)size format. Finding highly detailed floral designs struck into smaller plate variants makes this version extra desirable to specialists.
Interior & Mechanical Elements:
- The Hinge:Features the historically critical stamped brassRiveted Hingeassembly designed to keep the heavy thermoplastic halves securely fastened. The iconic paper label remains beautifully preserved in the well, detailing the patent dates ofOctober 14, 1856, and April 21, 1857.
- Mats & Well Hardware:Complete with original, brilliant gold-colored ornately embossed pinchbeck frames/mats and protective glass inserts on both sides. The double-well structure is elegantly wrapped in its original plush velvet liner border.
Condition Notes:
The thermoplastic body maintains an excellent, rich deep-chocolate sheen with crisp details along the central floral relief and geometric borders. The corners are sharp with minimal signs of aging. The inner brass hinges operate smoothly without binding, and the paper label remains clean and fully legible. Empty well condition (no photographs included).🌟 Rarity SummaryIn early photography ephemera,Krainik 196sits safely within the prized "Scarce" catalog designation. Floral configurations represent the peak artistry of early American die-sinking and mold creation. Because it retains its completely intact manufacturer's label alongside all original pinchbeck frame components, this specific 1/6 plate execution carries excellent crossover appeal for both photography collectors and early plastics historians.
- Keep in mind the shipping price also covers handling fees, packaging materials & time, not just postage.
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