Sixth-Plate Ambrotype

Sixth-Plate Ambrotype (1855 - 1865), 19th century portrait, vintage Union Case, 2.75 x 3.25. Developed in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer, ambrotype, or amphitype, hails from the Greek words "immortal" and "impression." These images were impressed on glass through a variant of the wet plate collodion process. They required shorter exposure times than daguerreotypes and were more affordable to manufacture, two factors which contributed to their rise in popularity before the advent of the carte de visite in the early 1860s.

Featured within this vintage Union Case is a lovely portrait of a seated couple, the woman donning a stylish bonnet with a large bow, and the man is clad in a suit of the era. An elaborately embellished gold frame borders the image, and the interior of the front cover is lined with red satin. The case is loosely attached at the hinge and still bears the original, functioning closure clasp.

Expected wear to the case and some separation at the hinge, otherwise fine condition.