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Two Gutta Percha Union Cases 19th Century

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:75.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Two Gutta Percha Union Cases 19th Century
Offered in this lot are two (2) gutta percha, union cases with photos each. While some reputable websites refer to these cases as “gutta-percha” the term preferred by collectors is “union case” or even “thermoplastic.” They were made from a mixture of wood and shellac that was pressed into a mold. The result was a plastic-like product. Both cases have molded exterior floral motifs, red velvet interior pads opposite the photographs. One union case has gold gilt trim along the cable motif edge trim. One photograph is a tintype (tintype was actually iron and not tin), the other appears to be either ambrotype or cardstock.
Both union cases have front hasps, one has two (2) while the other has only one (1) by design; rear hinges on both are missing. Overall condition is fair to good, both measure 3.5"L x 3.25W x .5"D