Undated (ca. 1860s) Gutta Percha George Washington Photograph Case. 3.25 inches x 3.75 inches, when closed.Both exterior sides of this brass-hinged case feature the same bust of Washington, facing left, with the inscription FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, & FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN around with laurel garlands, stars, shields and swords surrounding. The medallion-style image of Washington is signed F. GOLL. The interior of this single-image case has a blind floral embossing on the claret velvet on the left side and gilt brass rounded top rectangular frame on the right. Beneath the glass is a paper with the original advertisement for the case, inscribed GENUINE / UNION CASE, / IMPROVED. / FINE GILT AND BURNISHED / HINGE. / S. PECK & CO., / MANUFACTURERS. Very lightly used, perhaps never having even held an image. There is a small area of the gutta percha which has broken off the lower left corner of the left hand side of the front cover, and the corresponding lower right hand part of the back cover.
