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Union case

Side view of a union case showing it closed. Front view of a union case showing the moulded decoration. Rear view of a union case showing the moulded decoration. Inside view of a union case showing the velvet lining.
Side view of a union case showing it closed. Front view of a union case showing the moulded decoration. Rear view of a union case showing the moulded decoration. Inside view of a union case showing the velvet lining.

Classification

Description

A small hinged union case for holding early photographs. The body of the case is made of compression moulded shellac with wood fibre and metal hinges. It has intricate moulded decoration on both the top and the bottom and was manufactured by S. Peck & Co. in the 1850s. Samuel Peck is the first known plastics moulder in USA . This item forms part of the Plastics Historical Society (PHS) collection.
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Person)
Unknown
Manufacturer
S Peck & Co

Inscriptions

printed: "Genuine UNION CASE IMPROVED Fine Gilt and Burnished Hinge S. Peck & Co Manufacturer" (inside)

Object number

PHSL : 169

Date

1855 (circa)

Country

USA

Method

compression moulded

Material

plastic (natural)
shellac body
metal hinge
textile lining
velvet
Dimensions
Width
64mm
Depth
18mm
Length
75mm

Colour

brown