Bakelite was the first plastic made from synthetic components. It was developed by the Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in Yonkers, New York, in 1907 and was patented on December 7, 1909. Reference: Wikipedia
It was often used in the production of radios and industrial items. Beginning in the 1920s, it became a popular material for jewelry. Designer Coco Chanel included bracelets in her costume jewelry collections and designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli used it for jewelry and also for specially designed dress buttons. Later, Diana Vreeland, editor of Vogue, was enthusiastic about it.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco Bakelite items including a Fisk radiolette and an Art Deco cocktail shaker.
AWA (FOUNDED 1909) Fisk Radiolette 1935 Bakelite, cloth grille, with AWA decal
Sold for US$ 2,422 (£ 1,823) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
MINAUDIERE IN VERMEIL, BAKELITE, JADE ET CORAIL FRANCE, CIRCA 1930 Rectangular, the clasp in jade, coral and brilliants in papyrus flower, the inside with mirror, powder compact and lipstick, hallmarks: title and goldsmith (small gaps at the corners )
Sold for EUR 1.875 at Christie’s in 2020
Fada Radio & Electric Co. Radio Model 1000 Length 10 1/4 inches.
Sold for $437 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2020
Art Deco Amber Bakelite Inkwell Inkstand, England, 1920s-30s. Slide action covers. 17x29cm. Missing ink liners.
Sold for $220 at Pasarel in 2020
AN ENGLISH ART DECO BAKELITE AND SILVER-PLATED “MASTER INCOLOR” COCKTAIL SHAKER circa 1930’s a black colored cocktail shaker from the ‘Master Incolor’ series, the collar with a swivel panel with eight different classic cocktail recipes, stamped on base “The Master Incolor Cocktail Shaker / Made in England / Patent Pending”
Sold for 23,750 USD at Sotheby’s in 2020
A RARE ART DECO CHERRY AMBER CATALIN BAKELITE MAH-JONG SET.
Sold for £2,200 at Hannam’s Auctioneers Ltd in 2020
