Full Plate Thermoplastic Union Case Depicting Leutze’s Iconic Revolutionary War Scene, Ex-Paul Berg Collection. 

Full plate molded dark brown thermoplastic Union case (Berg 1-2/3-1). Florence, Massachusetts: Littlefield, Parsons & Co., patented 14 October 1856 and 21 April 1857. Front cover features a finely detailed high-relief depiction of Emanuel Leutze's celebrated patriotic masterwork, "Washington Crossing the Delaware," bordered by a rich foliate and grapevine scrollwork frame (Berg 1-2). Reverse cover features a geometric/ornamental oval central motif surrounded by leafy scrollwork and bead-and-petal borders (Berg 3-1). Interior retains its original deep maroon/burgundy velvet facing pad with an embossed floral cartouche and the original cream paper publisher's label: "LITTLEFIELD, PARSONS & CO., / (SUCCESSORS TO A. P. CRITCHLOW & Co.,) / Manufacturers of / Daguerreotype Cases... Embracing Riveted Hinge."

Provenance: Formerly in the renowned Paul K. Berg Collection of Photographic Cases and Frames (sold Cowan's Auctions, August 26, 2019, Lot 1).

Measuring approximately 6.5 x 8.5 inches, the "Washington Crossing the Delaware" motif stands among the most famous and artistically ambitious patriotic designs ever executed in the thermoplastic medium, celebrating General George Washington and Continental troops navigating the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776. Washington Crossing cases are universally recognized as the pinnacle of photographic case collecting. 

[Union Cases, Thermoplastic Cases, Daguerreotype Cases, Whole-Plate, Paul K. Berg, Littlefield Parsons & Co, A. P. Critchlow, Washington Crossing the Delaware, Emanuel Leutze, George Washington, American Revolution, Patriotic Motifs, Cased Images, 19th Century Photography] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Photographic Antiques, American Decorative Arts]

Very good condition overall, displaying exceptional definition, crisp relief details, and deep chocolate-brown surfaces. The patented riveted hinges are secure, tight, and functioning properly, with expected light chipping along the back edge and corners. The original internal paper label and velvet pad remain clean and bright.