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.

Enclosed within this embellished Union Case is a 19th century portrait of a man in a buttoned-down suit coat. The image is bordered by a gold frame, and the interior of the front cover is lined in floral-emblazoned red velvet. Case remains attached at the hinge and still bears the original, functioning closure clasp.

In fine condition, with the expected wear to the exterior of the case.