Half-Plate Ambrotype

Half-Plate Ambrotype (1840 - 1855), 19th century portrait, vintage leather-bound Union Case, 4.24 x 5.5. Developed in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer, ambrotype, or amphitype, hails from the Greek words "immortal" and "impression." These images were impressed on glass through a variant of the wet plate collodion process. They required shorter exposure times than daguerreotypes and were more affordable to manufacture, two factors which contributed to their rise in popularity before the advent of the carte de visite in the early 1860s.

Featured here is a flawless 19th century half-length portrait of a woman in a heavily-collared period dress, bordered by an elaborate oval gold frame bearing the name "Spooner Bro's Springfield" at the top in small type. Case comes completely attached at the hinge, with the original closure still functioning. A beautiful burgundy velvet lining adorns the inside the front cover.

In fine condition, with the expected wear to the leather case.