Lege union case 1858

This Daguerreotype case was made by Parsons & Co. Littlefield, and is what was known as a "Union case". It is a pressure molded composite of wood flour, shellac, and dye. The material itself is fascinating. Rather than using traditional materials, such as wood or leather, Union cases used a composite material made from industrial waste and natural resin. This points to the wider social issue of consumption, as the creation of Union cases represents a shift towards new industrial materials. The elaborate decoration on the case was achieved through molding, allowing for mass production and affordable luxury. Skilled makers were required to create the dies from which the cases were molded. Despite its modest purpose, the Union case reflects a period of rapid industrialization and material innovation. It challenges distinctions between fine art and craft, and reminds us that even everyday objects can be significant cultural artifacts.