Tintype and Union Case

This union case is really fascinating because two labels inside the union case help to pinpoint the date of the images.

1853 saw the introduction of a new type of photograph case, the "Union Case", which quickly became popular. Before this leather and paper covered wooden cases had been used.  The ‘union’ cases were made from gum shellac, wood fiber and color dye mixed together and heated. This then produced the thermoplastic compound.

Inside the case is written:

“A.P. Critchlow & Co., Manufacturers of Daguerrotype Cases. A.P. C. & Co. Are the original inventors of the Composition for the Union Case (so called), including all of the various shades of color and fineness of texture peculiar to their manufacture and of the Embracing Riveted Hinges, thus securing them from breaking out as do others that are inserted with or without a metal brace. Patent applied for.”

A.P. Critchlow received two patents; the first in Oct. 14, 1856, and the second in April 21, 1857. The first case label states “Patent applied for”, and so this dates the case to about early 1856, before receiving the first patent.  The other label tells us that the patent has been obtained indicating the photographs must have been taken before receiving the first patent in October 1856. 

One photograph bears the signature of G. G. Johnson who was a Daguerreotypist, ambrotypist and photographer. He was associated with the famous photographer, Alexander Hesler working in a Daguerrerreian gallery in Galena, Iowa from 1854 -62 where they traded as Hesler and Johnson (G.G.) Later Hesler would take the well known and iconic pictures of Abraham Lincoln.  They were partners from 1855 -56, and would later take photographs of the end of the civil war, but by 1856 George. G. Johnson had a Fine Art Gallery of his own in Iowa, at 90 Main Street upstairs. The St Louis Fair lists him as receiving a prize for his ‘large and beautiful exhibition of daguerreotypes’ in1860. In 1862 he had a one-year partnership with E.W. Peirce in Galena. Later, in nearby Dubuque, Iowa, from 1863 – 64, he owned a gallery at Fifth and Main Streets.  

 

In addition, the metal photograph of the gentleman bears the stamp, Melainotype Plate For Neffe’s patent 19^th Sept 1856, indicating this is an early tintype. In February 1856, Hamilton L.Smith patented the 'use of japanned metallic plates in photography.' Two American companies started the production of japanned metal plates for photographic pictures. Peter Neff, who held Professor Smith's patent, called his manufactured plates 'Melainotypes' ('melaino' = dark or black] and his rival Victor Griswold named his plates 'Ferrotypes' ['ferro' = iron].  Ferrotypes would eventually come to dominate. By the early 1860s, the inexpensive photographs which were made on these thin sheets of iron, were popularly known as ' tintypes.' There was no actual tin in the photographic plates, but the word ' tin ' was associated with thin sheets of metal and cheapness. After the mid 1860’s tintypes were rarely cased.

The double full union case measures 5" x 4" and is in good condition labeled A.P.Critchlow & Co. with hinge Patented Oct. 14, 1856.  The gold tinfoil frame bears the embossed name of GG Johnson.