Lege union case 1857 - 1858

A.P. Critchlow & Co. made this Daguerreotype case, known as a ‘Union Case’ in the United States during the 1850s. The case embodies significant shifts in American industrial and visual culture. As photography became increasingly popular, the need for durable and decorative cases grew, reflecting broader trends in consumerism and mass production. The text inside the case highlights the company's claim to be the "original inventors" of its composition, a mixture of wood pulp and resin, showcasing the competitive spirit of American manufacturing and innovation. Note too the patented hinge, as this reflects the importance of securing intellectual property in a rapidly industrializing nation. These small details thus point us to the larger context of economic change, technological advancement, and the burgeoning culture of marketing in the mid-19th century US. To truly understand this object, one might explore archival records of patent filings, trade publications, and business histories, all of which reveal the intricate networks of commerce and creativity that defined the era.