Bidspirit auction | Mid-19th Century Ambrotype in Gutta-Percha

Mid-19th Century Ambrotype in Gutta-Percha Union Case, Portrait of a Gentleman - A mid-19th century ambrotype housed within an octagonal gutta-percha Union case. The hinged case, likely dating from the 1850s or 1860s, is constructed from a dark, molded material, featuring an intricate, embossed decorative pattern on the exterior of the back cover and along the front edge. The interior of the left case half is lined with dark blue velvet, while the right half houses the photographic image, framed by an ornate gilt brass mat. The ambrotype depicts a head-and-shoulders portrait of a gentleman with a mustache and prominent sideburns, dressed in a suit and bow tie.