Desktop Showcase:

        Transparent on top and on all four sides, this five-sided glass hood offers an elegant and simple way of displaying small objects such as coins, medals, or two-dimensional materials such as manuscripts. The glass corners are usually ground at a 45 degree mitre, and are joined with glass cement, silicon, or an ultraviolet-resistant adhesive to form a frameless all-glass construction. The bottom edges of the glass are usually set into a U-frame, with a solid base below. Locks keep the glass hood from being lifted off the base except when required.

Access is gained by hinging up the glass hood and supporting it with gas or hydraulic assisters.

On larger versions, electric pistons may be used to mechanically lift the entire hood vertically. Tabletop cases or glass hoods that offer only a lift-off top for access are best avoided .The potential for damaging an artifact or display when lifting the glass hood back into position is too great.

Previously acrylic or plexiglass was a popular choice of material for this type of case due to the relatively inexpensive cost of the acrylic cover. However, this type of material is seldom acceptable now due to lack of security. It can be easily scratched and will require replacing before glass would, therefore making it a false economy.