1860s Oreo Union Case Krainik 752 Mother of Pearl Double Tintype Portrait ScarceItem Specifics
- Type:Photograph
- Format:Tintype
- Production Technique:Tintype
- Year of Production:1860-1869
- Image Color:Black & White
- Subject:Children & Family, Men, Portraits, Victorian Fashion
- Size:1.75 in (Diameter)
- Features:Miniature, In Original Case, Two Images, Facing Portraits, Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
- Case Material:Thermoplastic (Union Case)
- Catalog Reference:Krainik-752 (Scarce Center Inlay Variant)
- Antique:Yes
- Country/Region of Manufacture:United States
Description
An exceptional and complete mid-19th-century miniature circular thermoplastic Union Case, historically cataloged as theKrainik-752 geometric center-inlay pattern[Lot - Grouping of Three Round "Oreo" Union Cases, 1.1.1]. Known colloquially to photographic historians as an"Oreo" case, this highly sought-after round pocket variant is elevated by a beautiful, genuineMother-of-Pearl circular medallion inlayflush with the center of the lid [Late 1800s Oreo Union Case Mother of Pearl Thermoplastic Picture Case With Gentlemans Photograph Triple Layer Beaded Edge Hatched Design]. This variant is classified as scarce in early American photographic literature.The dark chocolate brown molded thermoplastic exterior features highly crisp detailing, highlighted by layered rope-turn edges and fine background stippling [Late 1800s Oreo Union Case Mother of Pearl Thermoplastic Picture Case With Gentlemans Photograph Triple Layer Beaded Edge Hatched Design]. The matching halves align seamlessly [Late 1800s Oreo Union Case Mother of Pearl Thermoplastic Picture Case With Young Victorian WomanPhotograph Triple Layer Beaded Edge Hatched Design].The interior features a rare, complete double-faced tray layout housing its original dual-facing direct-positive miniaturetintype portraits. Notably, both images retain their original, delicate artist application ofhand-tinted rose pigmentsto the cheeks, an artisanal addition highly prized by 19th-century photographic collectors. Each image is bordered by its original, highly reflective die-stamped starburst gilded brass mat and protective preserver ring:
- Left Portrait:A captivating bust-length portrait of a young Victorian woman or adolescent girl looking slightly in profile. Her hair is styled in a traditional 1860s center part, and she wears a delicate collar. The image is beautifully accented with original, vivid hand-tinted pink blush to her cheeks.
- Right Portrait:A remarkable, high-contrast portrait of a young man looking directly into the camera lens, sharply dressed in a formal civilian coat, high-buttoned vest, white collar, and bow tie, also enhanced with clear, hand-painted blush accents.
A premier specimen offering strong cross-collectible appeal to Civil War-era photographic historians, Union Case variant collectors, and antique mixed-media enthusiasts [Late 1800s Oreo Union Case Mother of Pearl Thermoplastic Picture Case With Gentlemans Photograph Triple Layer Beaded Edge Hatched Design, 1.4.1].Condition Report
- Case:Excellent overall condition. The exterior retains sharp, unrubbed definition to the molded details [Late 1800s Oreo Union Case Mother of Pearl Thermoplastic Picture Case With Gentlemans Photograph Triple Layer Beaded Edge Hatched Design, 1.4.1]. The interior tracks are clean with smooth closure. The Mother-of-Pearl inlay is intact, perfectly smooth, and free of cracks or separations.
- Photographs:Both tintypes exhibit excellent clarity and very strong contrast with minimal superficial age wear. The emulsion on both faces is unusually well-preserved compared to standard cased examples from this generation, with thehand-tinted colorremaining vibrant and exceptionally well-placed.
Please see our other select group of exceptional, early cased photographs and rare antique Union cases available in our store.Keep in mind the shipping price also covers handling fees, packaging materials & time, not just postage.See our store for 1000’s of other items.
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