Thermoplastic Union Case by Holmes Booth and Haydens Daguerreotype and Ambrotype

Thermoplastic Union Case with the label of Holmes Booth and Haydens, the makers of Daguerreotype and Ambrotype

The Thermoplastic Union case,.. "1854, Samuel Peck received his patent for inventing the thermoplastic process." and is often mislabeled as Gutta-percha which is an India Rubber. 
The cases were made of a mixture of shellac and sawdust and "was thoroughly mixed, heated, and colored with chemical dyes. It was then passed through rollers to create a thin sheet of hot plastic. This heated plastic was then placed over a mold where it was pressed by the molding machine."

Sometimes referred  to them as “Union Cases.”, the term "Union Case"  comes from …"Peck himself. He chose Union as the name because his process was a union of shellac and sawdust."

This very fine case, slight discoloring to the black case, due to the age and soling to the front and back. Note, I have not cleaned or altered this piece in anyway. 
The inside is very fine with the dark blue velvet in excellent condition. The case does not have a photo but has the original glass and the makers card on the right side, Holmes, Booth & Hayden.
Holmes, Booth & Haydens began in 1853 with the partnership of Hiram W. Hayden, Israel Holmes and John C. Booth in Waterbury, Connecticut. The firm was incorporated on February 2, 1853 and Hiram W. Hayden was famed inventor and early Daguerreotype photographer who was one of the top photographers in his day. 

Size: holds Sixth plate image. Full size is 3 1/4 x 3 3/4 inches 
Condition: very good with no cracks or damage to the material. The top edge has light mark from something stuck to the edge and the front and back are soiled which I have not cleaned or altered. Please see the image for more details.