Description

Here is a gutta percha Union case in very good condition with only very minor small chips from normal wear – nothing significant. Hinges and latch are firm and strong. Inside of case retains original label behind the image indicating “Littlefield and Parsons” maker, dated 1856-57. Image is a cut down faded CDV of a bearded fellow wearing a military frock coat open and folded back to the chest with a cravat/bowtie. Buttons are clearly metallic and the coat bears sergeants chevrons on both arms. The image has all of the signs of an early, possibly pre-war militia type in the hair style, the beard without mustache, and the coat worn open as seen in many western militia/soldier’s images. It is a shame it was exposed – there is no glass in the case – and thus so faded. I bought the image in a local front yard estate auction with family claiming residency in the area – Kansas/Missouri border – back to the pre-war era. The image frankly conjures immediately to me, so many of the photos of those so identified that I have seen. Unfortunately no identification or documented provenance here – like the far majority found in such circumstances.