AN AMBROTYPE OF A WELL TO DO YOUNG MAN IN AN EXCEPTIONAL H.W. HAYDEN GUTTA PERCHA CASE, c. 1850's-60's. Exquisite 'Union" case signed by H.W. Hayden produced by S. Peck with molded girl and infant with exceptional detail and artistic rendering - certainly the finest I've carried. Slight flake at clasp & crack at lower hinge. Inside the hand-tinted image in an ornate brass mat with some spotting & separation near hands. 3.8". Gutta-Percha, a rare natural bioinert inelastic latex-like sap from SE Asia which became rigid upon drying and took very fine detail,was the chosen material for fine cases and plaques in the late 1800's prior to the development of plastics.

Provenance: Acquired by the current owner at an upscale New Jersey estate auction.

All pieces have been carefully vetted by at least two experts for authenticity, condition, and good and legal provenance. All pieces come with an unlimited money back guarantee of authenticity. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, Chapter 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. 


A Certificate of Authenticity with printed color image is available to winning bidders upon request.

Generally fine condition with minor spotting on ambrotype.