Evelyn, the “elder” half of a mother-daughter team specializing in antique Bakelite says: “Art Deco Style” as a popular term, really came into regular usage during the 1960’s, during the revival of interest in the style it represented, and remains in use today. For me, it was what contributed to a way of life in my home from the late 1920’s until the early 40’s. Being a middle class “depression family” we were able to avail ourselves of the abundant mass-produced, machine-made products. These were dubbed “kitsch” – a German word meaning “trash.” Today, kitsch is often spelled with a capital “K,” and one can pay more today for a Chase Chrome item accentuated with Bakelite than my mother did for an Art Nouveau vase then. The key word here is “stylish.” It was cheap in price then, but it had style.
A Bakelite cigarette lighter (and original box) in the form of a steamship. Made in occupied Japan circa 1940s
Photo Courtesy Evelyn’s Oldies But Goodies
As I clearly recall, the kitchen was the heart of family life – as it still is in many homes today. Our table was set with colorful tablecloths, some of which were “State” themes; if the family went on vacation and they would bring home a souvenir tablecloth – such as Florida or California. Mom would wear aprons that also had themes, but always cheerful and colorful designs. Tea towels were used – sometimes they were converted into café curtains for the kitchen. Napkin rings made of Bakelite and Lucite, some with animal themes, created a festive table and went perfectly with the Bakelite flatware in bright colors. I recall food being prepared and served with equally attractive Bakelite utensils. Although the times were not the best, items such as these created a happy atmosphere. Its look stayed with me until today!
Kitchenware utensils and tableware such as Bakelite flatware, napkin rings, pastry serves, beaters, choppers, dough blenders, potato mashers, spatulas and servings spoons and, of course, Bakelite handled ice cream scoops, are just a few examples of the fabulous Vintage Bakelite kitchenware items available to add just the right amount of vintage pizzazz to your kitchen today! One should be eclectic in choosing Vintage Bakelite home accessories – mix and match all the fabulous colors and styles available.
Evelyn Roth in 2007, with a set of Bakelite Kitchen Utensils from 1930’s-40’s
Linda, the daughter half of the team adds some important advice for collectors: “Most Bakelite production, such as jewelry and household items, ceased at the outset of World War II and authentic Vintage Bakelite pieces are becoming more difficult to find. Unfortunately, where there is demand there is often supply and a “cottage industry” has been created around the production of “fakelite,” jewelry that is manufactured in different parts of the world giving the appearance of being Bakelite. Under close examination by a trained eye it is clear that these items are not vintage Bakelite, but buyer beware. Imitation is the highest form of flattery and there is nothing wrong with machine-made copies of previously hand-carved treasures, as long as the buyer is aware they are buying a copy or replica. With fakelite however, many of the pieces have been “treated” in such a way that they may pass the “Bakelite test.” When run under very hot water true Bakelite will yield a strong smell, and most pieces, when rubbed with 409 household cleaner, will turn a cotton swab yellowish. We recommend that a collector purchase Bakelite only from a reputable, experienced dealer to ensure that what they’re getting is authentic, vintage Bakelite.
Once you’ve determined that what you’re getting is authentic Bakelite, pay attention to the condition of the piece. Condition, naturally, affects price and pieces which are without flaws will of course be higher priced. In fact, we consider condition to be so important in collectible Bakelite that our shop only carries mint sets, with no damage at all. The signature of a maker or manufacturer is another factor to look for when assessing Bakelite. It is rare to find a Bakelite item that has been signed by its designer or maker, but Bakelite household items, such as flatware and utensils, are more apt to have the manufacturer’s name – such as Federal and Voos –on the utensil portion. Once in a while one will come across a Bakelite item with the original store tag on it. As an example, a set of Bakelite flatware may be found in the original box it came in, with the company name, like Cardinal or Universal. This certainly adds to the value - and most probably indicates that the set has never been used, which increases the possibility of its being in mint condition. While taking it out of the box and using it will not decrease the value, and keeping the original box will help maintain value, the fact is that what really matters is the condition of the set "at the end of the day."
In vintage Bakelite jewelry more intricate workmanship usually commands a higher price. If it is a brooch, make sure the pin back is embedded into the back and not glued. If it was glued, it might have been something else, such as a button previously, and later converted into a brooch; in other words, authenticity is important. It’s also important to check for repaired damages before buying a piece. It is our policy that one should aim for perfection in collecting vintage Bakelite, so there is no such thing as an acceptable or “good” repair - especially for resale.
Left: A Bakelite and Silver Bracelet, circa 1930’s-40’s; Right: An Art Deco Bakelite Pin, circa 1930’s-40’s
Photo Courtesy Evelynne’s Oldies But Goodies
Bakelite, in general, is extremely durable, but should be handled with care as one would do with any valuable antique or collectible item. Bakelite jewelry does scratch and chip, so be careful of knocking it forcefully against something. It is not affected by skin oils or water but remember, dishwashers had not yet been invented when Bakelite was born, and Bakelite utensils, including flatware sets, should not be put into one.
Bakelite jewelry was sold in the 30’s and early 40’s in U.S. department stores such as Sears, Saks, B. Altmans, and Bonwit Tellers. Notable designers such as Van Cleef and Arpel, Channel and Lalique even designed items using the material. These were the times of the depression and the bright and durable Bakelite items were an instant hit with all – or, almost all; the Queen may not have worn Bakelite at the time, but in a recent TV program the Royal Yacht Britannia had furnishings that had Bakelite trim. This only helps to confirm our belief that Bakelite at its best truly is fit for a queen.
