Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver
Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver

Early 20th Century Celluloid Photo-Novelty Salesman’s Sample Case by Cruver

$1,250.00
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c. 1900s-1920s; Cruver Manufacturing Company - Chicago, IL

Photo-studio frame and novelty salesman's sample kit housed in a black textured traveling case with metal corner protectors, dual front latches, and a leather carrying handle. The fitted purple velvet interior incorporates a hinged upper display, a removable lift-out tray, and a divided lower compartment. Four prominent portrait samples demonstrate oval, circular, and rectangular formats with hand-colored photographic portraits, floral and scenic surrounds, and glossy celluloid-covered surfaces.

The lower compartment contains an extensive assortment of portrait and novelty samples, including large and miniature photo plaques, buttons, pinbacks, brooches, lockets, advertising pieces, a die-cut standing figure, numbered samples, and examples fitted with wire, wood, metal, and molded easel backs. A deeper compartment holds additional loose portrait plaques. The kit allowed a traveling representative to demonstrate available shapes, decorative treatments, mounting styles, display supports, and novelty applications to photography studios and retail agents.

Curtis L. Cruver entered Chicago's novelty trade with Cruver & Hammond in 1893, established the Photo Jewelry Manufacturing Company in 1896, incorporated the business in 1902, and renamed it the Cruver Manufacturing Company in 1906. The company became known for celluloid photo buttons, portrait plaques, mirrors, and related photographic and advertising novelties.

Case is in good condition exhibiting stains, scuffs, and wear as expected with age and use. Handle is in good condition; on corner seams there are some loose threads, but none actively running. Interior felt is in good condition; latches for top compartment operate and straps to pull top shelf out are still in place. Selection of sample materials is in good condition with some exceptions, and most samples have faded. Individual pieces exhibit varying surface scratches, discoloration, edge wear, and age-related patina. One rectangular child-portrait sample shows visible scratching and a crack in the image surface. Metal backs, stands, and fittings show expected wear.

17.75" L x 4.25" W x 12.25" H (including handle laying flat)

MM - 22779 - 102626

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