Sixth-Plate Ambrotype

Sixth-Plate Ambrotype (1855 - 1865), 19th century portrait, ornate 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 beautiful portrait of a small girl with pink-tinted cheeks. A gold frame borders the image, and the interior of the front cover is lined with intricately emblazoned red velvet. Although the case is detached at the hinge, it still bears the original, functioning closure clasp.

In fine condition, with a separation at the hinge and expected wear to the case.