Cased images

Cased Images: Early 19th-century photographs—predominantly daguerreotypes and ambrotypes—that were permanently mounted inside small, hinged protective enclosures. Because these early photographic surfaces are highly delicate and vulnerable to physical scratching or atmospheric tarnishing, they were meticulously sealed beneath a protective pane of glass and an ornamental brass border before being fitted into decorative cases made of leather, wood, or thermoplastic. Successfully archiving and camera-digitizing these artifacts requires a precise understanding of their multi-layered physical construction and specialized non-destructive handling techniques.