Around 1850, Samuel Peck developed a material made from shellac and wood fiber that became known generically as thermoplastic. Peck's own name for the material was Union.“
The material could be heated and pressed into molds like modern plastics. It was quickly adapted to making holders for early photographic images such as tintypes, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes. “
These hinged holders made of thermoplastic are known collectively as Union Cases after Peck's process. The word Union refers to the union of shellac and wood; it does not refer to the northern states during the Civil War. Most have elaborate designs that make them highly sought after in their own right and also for the display of vintage images.”
Oh, and the prices! Antiques are always a bit all over the place, but it seemed like they started at ~$30 for super poor condition, ~$80-150 for fair, and shoot up to around $500 for “good”