AboutDavid Silver Expertise I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
Expert: David Silver Date: 9/21/2005 Subject: metal union case?
Question Hello
My name is Caryl Lamont. I live in Portland, Oregon. I was wondering if you could help me identify a type of photo case.
I purchased a case that looks like a metal version of a Union Case. It is silver-plated and has the mats inside with reddish colored velvet behind them. It has two mats and two glass panes. Made to house two photos. Would be great for a pair of tintypes.
The front and back have an embossed image of what appears to be an old French style fountain. A birdbath perhaps. It is a lady and a child standing nude in the center of the bath, which is up on a pedestal foot that is two fish. Possibly three fish, as it appears that there is a hint of the third fish behind the two in front.
I have never seen or heard of a metal case like this. Any help would be appreciated greatly
Answer Hello Caryl,
The case you have is known as "Garden Fountain", it is American in origin (although the exact manufacturer is unknown), it is indeed silver-plated, and it dates from later in the 19th century after the ambrotype had fallen out of favor. As you suggest, it was more likely meant to hold and protect better quality tintypes. While not that rare, I would say it is substantially less common than those typical earlier Union cases. A truly fine example would certainly sell for at least $150 today.
