This is a patriotic thermoplastic union case with an ambrotype of three children. The ambrotype is a quarter plate made in 1857 by Littlefield Parsons, an early manufacturer of daguerreotype and union cases; the ambrotype is faded on the left side and you can see part of the Littlefield label underneath the image: the ambrotype also lifts out to reveal the full Littlefield label. The blue velvet lining is very attractive, and the embossed covers depict an eagle holding a banner in its beak and an American shield in its talons, and cannons and flank a miilitary camp in the background (Krainik 27, Union and Constitution). The case has two snug clasps and slight chips at the tips on top, but still a very desirable piece. The case measures 4 x 4 7/8 in. wide.