Thomas H. Bissell
PhotographerPhotographed by
Unknown
Date1853-1858
MediumAmbrotype; collodion on glass over dark backing, in brass mat package in thermoplastic case
DimensionsPlate (height x width): 3 1/4 × 2 3/4in. (8.3 × 7cm)
Other (case height x width x depth): 3 7/8 × 3 1/2 × 7/8in. (9.8 × 8.9 × 2.2cm)
Other (case height x width x depth): 3 7/8 × 3 1/2 × 7/8in. (9.8 × 8.9 × 2.2cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of Eleanor Bissell
DescriptionSixth plate daguerreotype of Thomas Bissell by an unknown photographer. Bissell is pictured in old age. He is wearing a coat with wide lapels over what may be a double-breasted waistcoat (otherwise, he is wearing an overcoat over a double-breasted jacket) and a dark stock tie over an upturned collar. His thinning hair is worn slightly long, and he has long sideburns.
Object number1960.22.19
InscribedThe right-hand side of the case contains an insert about the maker of the thermoplastic case:"A. P. CRITCHLOW & CO., / Manufacturers of / Daguerreotype Cases. / A. P. C. & CO. / Are the Original Inventors of the / Composition for the Union Case, / (so called,) including all the various shades / of color and fineness of texture pecu- / liar to their manufacture and of the / EMBRACING RIVETED HINGES, thus / securing them from breaking out / as do others that are inserted / with or without a / metal brace. / Patent applied for."NotesDate note: The date range is based on the following:
"From Paul C. Berg, "History of the Miniature Case":
The A.P. Critchlow Co. was founded in 1853. Critchlow sold his interest in the firm in 1857 to David G. Littlefield and within one year (1858) the firm name was changed to Littlefield, Parsons & Co. This new company produced more new thermoplastic case designs than any other; greater than 390 are currently recorded. In May 1866, Littlefield, Parsons & Co. became the Florence Manufacturing Co. By this time the daguerreotype and ambrotype had fallen out of demand and were rapidly being replaced by the tintype and carte de visite. The need for thermoplastic cases was rapidly dwindling."
--Accessed from https://digitalcollections.syr.edu/Documents/Detail/a.-p.-critchlow-and-co./287309 on June 24, 2025.
Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
1855-1865
