Item is a hinged union case (plastic case) with design of "Night with Her Children, Sleep and Death" based on an engraving of Bertel Thorvaldsen's popular bas-relief. "The angel is a messenger holding dominion over Sleep and Death," p. 149 of same book mentioned in 2008.001.1870. Casemaker is S. Peck and Company which began manufacturing after 1852. Chosen case reflects sentiments of a newspaper clipping found inside case that reads :
"Died . Holmes - In Adeleide, on the 15th of February, 1878, of diptheria, Emma Margaret, aged 4 years, and Ellen Jane, on the 20th February, 1878, aged 10 years and 4 months, daughters of Mr. O.C. Holmes, of Adelaide. The grief-striken parents have the sympathy of their neighbors in their great bereavement."
Image is a tintype of a baby in long white gown, pink cheeks, being held by unidentified person, most likely the mother. Inside cover has a red velvet cushion which falls out when case is opened, to reveal hidden beneath it a piece of floral cloth as well as the newspaper clipping. Image is held in place with a cover glass, brass matt and brass preserver. Date for tintype based on daughters ages from newspaper clipping.