The art deco design was popular when Bakelite was introduced as the first molded plastic used for radio cases in 1933. But Bakelite was either brown or black, sometimes with a marbleized look, and customers wanted more color. Today one of the older plastic radios in good working condition sells for $440 to $1,000.
What is a Bakelite radio?
Bakelite radios from that period are invariably brown or black, the product of their carbon-based ingredients, phenol and formaldehyde, being mixed into a resin, cooled and crushed, and then heated again under intense pressure, a process called thermosetting.
When were Bakelite radios made?
Bakelite had been invented by 1907 but was only used for small objects and came in fairly dull colours. The radio set in the 1920s was a home made affair attached to an old bread board or covered with a crude wooden box.
What is a Catalin radio?
It is an early plastic made from phenol formaldehyde resins. Early on, radio manufacturers had sought an economical replacement for costly wood cabinets. The invention of Bakelite allowed cabinets to be injection molded or cast for a fraction of the cost. Like Bakelite, Catalin could be polished to a magnificent shine.
What is Bakelite jewelry?
Bakelite is a castable, fire-resistant plastic that was invented by Leo Baekeland in 1909. It was originally used for industrial purposes until jewelry makers found that its light weight made Bakelite a perfect choice for designing and manufacturing inexpensive bracelets, rings, pins, and other jewelry.
How can you tell the difference between Bakelite and Catalin?
Bakelite is opaque, while catalin is often translucent (can often see this at the edges of an item). If the item is brightly colored jewelry or similar items, it is more than probably catalin.
When did they stop making Bakelite?
1940s
Bakelite applications in conservation were discontinued in the 1940s because of certain disadvantages that soon became apparent.
When did they stop using Bakelite?
Many companies stopped using Bakelite in the early 1940s as the need for World War II related products took hold. By the end of the War, new technologies in the world of plastics had made Bakelite obsolete. The height of Bakelite jewelry was the late 1930s, up until the end of the Art Deco period.
How can you tell the difference between Bakelite and catalin?
What is Catalan Bakelite?
Bakelite and catalin are trade names for closely related antique plastics that are popularly collected today in the form of old timey radios (‘catalin radios’), colorful jewelry, toys and more. This meant the plastic was heavy, very strong, opaque and came in only dark colors.
Is Bakelite jewelry expensive?
Values for Bakelite jewelry can vary widely depending on the rarity of the piece. Many of the examples shown here are quite hard to find and reflect prices paid by avid collectors who compete at auction to own these pieces. Other pieces shown, which generally sell for $200 and less, are fairly common.
What is the size of a brown bakelite radio?
Astor Mickey brown Bakelite radio, 18 cm high, 26 cm wide, 16 cm deep Healing tombstone brown Bakelite radio, model 501E, 38 cm high, 32 cm wide Genalex Valve Radio. Brown Bakelite case. Height 21 cm
What are some of the most interesting Bakelite items you have seen?
Two brown Bakelite bracelets with carving sold together. Promotional item for bandleader Paul Whitman”s radio show in the 1930s. Whitman’s face is on each side of the ring. The swastika represented good luck at the time the ring was made — silver on black Bakelite. Vintage World War II (1940s) Bakelite V for Victory pin with original pin back.
How much does Bakelite sell for?
Many of the examples shown here are quite hard to find and reflect prices paid by avid collectors who compete at auction to own these pieces. Other pieces shown, which generally sell for $200 and less, are fairly common. Since the 1990s, many pieces made of authentic, old Bakelite have been produced by artisans.
Are there any Bakelite bracelets that test as Bakelite?
Since the 1990s, many pieces made of authentic, old Bakelite have been produced by artisans. Some of these are similar in style to older pieces, and they will test as Bakelite. These are usually highly carved pieces, bangle bracelets with dots, and other desirable styles.
