As I had mentioned in my post about celluloid, I first became interested in collecting this plastic through searching for decorative hair combs. Most hair combs from the 1910s-1930s are made from celluloid, so my love of combs inadvertently started my love of celluloid.
Decorative hair combs, circa 1910s-1920s.
(There's a possibility the tortoiseshell comb is galaith, but with no markings I suppose I'll never know.)
(There's a possibility the tortoiseshell comb is galaith, but with no markings I suppose I'll never know.)
I then became intrigued by the beautiful dresser sets of the 1920s-1930s, many of which were made of a mother of pearl-like celluloid. This type continues to be my favorite form of the plastic, and I struggle with having the will power to not purchase all of it.
My pieced together, almost matching, dresser/toilet set in Maize Pearl with black edging, circa 1920s-1930s.
Button hook and cuticle cutter are from the same set, unmarked.
Mirror from a different set, unmarked.
Brush from a different set, marked 'DuPont USA'.
Shoe horn, circa 1920s. A different pattern of pearl, marked 'Hampton Arch Amerith'.
Comb marked 'Lady Bobbie Trade~Mark' in Maize Pearl with rainbow swirl edging, circa 1920s-1930s. While cleaning I broke off two of the teeth. I managed to super-glue them back on, but I won't be able to use it now for fear of further damage. Take it from me - be gentle with vintage plastics!
Fold-up mirror in White Pearl, circa 1950s. Marked 'Japan'.
The rest of the pieces I've acquired are of the French Ivory/Ivorine/Pyralin style.
Another dresser/toilet set, more specifically a manicure set, all matching, circa 1920s-1930s. The close ups of the handles visibly show the faux striations to mimic true ivory.
Floral brooch, circa 1930s-1950s. Not the usual French Ivory type, has no lines and light blushes of paint on the flowers.
Glove stretcher, marked 'French Ivory', 'Made in England', circa 1900-1910. This is the only celluloid piece I bought not because it was celluloid, since at the time I thought French Ivory meant actual ivory.
My current whole collection.
It's a charming collection! I especially love the mirror, because I'm a big fan of mother-of-pearl. And yeah, why are combs so fragile? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The mirror was the first of the pearl I found, and built the set around it. It's such a shame the comb broke, I wanted to try fingerwaving with it, but I guess you can't expect an almost 100 year old plastic to be as sturdy as it used to be.
Delete