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Antique black thermoplastic union case with a grape design which holds 2 ambrotype photographs of two young children.
The case is pattern 2-81 Geometric as described in \"Nineteenth Century Photographic Cases and Wall Frames\" by Paul Berg.
The paper behind the photo states the case was made by \"Littlefield Parsons & Co, Manufacturers of Daguerrotype cases. L.P. & Co. are the sole proprietors and only legal manufacturers of union cases, with the embracing riveted hinge. Patented Oct. 14. 1856 and April 21, 1857.
The case is a 1/9th plate and measures 2.5\" by 3\". The case is in good condition with no damage noted. It does not close fully, or latch, due to the two photos.
The left side photo is of a baby. The handwritten paper behind the photo states: Freddie Howard Loveless, Born Feb. 29th 1860. Taken July 15th 1860\" There is lock of golden hair folded inside a paper.
The right side ambrotype photo is of a baby. The handwritten paper behind the photo states: \"May Elizabeth Loveless, aged 9 months 1862\" Two locks of brown hair are folder in a paper.
From the Loveless family history I found online, the info on the lives of both Fred Howard and May Elizabeth is provided.
The ambrotypes of the children are dark and starting to look like negatives. This is typical of very early photos. Each photo is framed by the metal gold mats typical at the time.
This is a very special case in that the very early photos are identified, along with locks of their hair.
