The importance and rarity of this item is revealed by some historical background. This photographic process, first called "Melainotype" (then "Ferrotype" and finally "Tintype") was patented by Hamilton Smith February 19, 1856. Its use was extremely limited for 1856 presidential candidates. No 1856 ferrotypes are in DeWitt/Sullivan or Hake Guides and none were in the amazing collection of John J. Ford sold in Philadelphia September, 2013 which did include hundreds of 1860 and later ferrotypes. This specimen is the same example as was sold in a Heritage auction two years ago. It shows former President Millard Fillmore the 1856 candidate of the American Party or Know Nothing Party and is based on a photograph taken by Matthew Brady. A matching piece is known for the 1856 election winner James Buchanan. The ferrotype is .5" dia. with a lustrous brass rim, a tin reverse and complete with wire shank. A few near microscopic dots of emulsion loss but overall condition is NM. A very historic item in the development of both photography and campaign items. Rare.