Page 2 - tmp_Neat

Page 2 The Antique Shoppe June, 2017
Radios —— Continued from Page 1 Most of the “Bakelite” jewelry, radios, and other so-called “Bakelite”
products of the 1930s, such as “Bakelite bangles” were actually made
During the early 20 century, radio cases were made of several other from Catalin. The name “Bakelite” became a generic
th
types of industrial-grade plastic, including Plaskon, Beetle, and Catalin, name for all plastic items of the
but it was Bakelite that help inspire the gorgeous radio cases of the Art 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s.
Deco period of radio from roughly 1925–1940. Catalin could be dyed in any color of the rainbow, but Catalin radios
The worst drawback to Bakelite radios was Bakelite’s gloomy color. were cast rather than molded, so a Catalin radio had to have its edges
During the 1930s, Bakelite basically came in two colors—ugly brown or and seams sanded by hand. Fortunately, Catalin was easy to work with
uglier black. (filing, cutting, and grinding) and could be polished to a brilliant sheen.
Adding sawdust, torn rag strips, By 1937, industry standards (used by Emerson, Fada, and other
powdered bronze, slate dust, radio manufacturers) for the manufacturing
and even cotton to Bakelite of radio cabinets favored the use
produced acceptable marbling of Catalin over Bakelite and other
phenol formaldehyde resin plastics.
effects, but since molded Catalin produced superior
Bakelite incorporated fillers to radio bodies since it is as hard as
give it strength, it tended to be metal, heat resistant (not softening
made in concealing dark colors. in boiling water and giving off a
The whimsical beauty of Art Deco phenolic odor the way Bakelite
was missing. Then, in 1933, along does), and its heavy weight gave
came Plaskon, which was available radio cabinets a sense of solidness.
in white or beige and, with, Two drawback of Catalin radio
severe limitations, red. casings that often baffles collectors
1927 was a banner year for is Catalin’s reaction to oxidation,
radios since that was the year which often darkens the radios colors
the American Catalin Corporation over time. White, for instance,
discolors to yellow, changing the
developed and trademarked its Emerson BT245 Bakelite “Tombstone” overall appearance of the radio.
most famous plastic invention— radio, circa 1938; $800. Also, Catlin’s casting as a solid resin,
Catalin. Catalin was also a phenol with no reinforcement added to the
formaldehyde resin, but unlike Belmont Bakelite radio, circa 1940s; $200. plastic, caused cracks in the plastic. Catalin radio cabinets or
Rare, Delco Bakelite radio model #1235.
Bakelite, Catalin was near colorless, Manufactured in 1946 by Delco Radio Corporation, this casings without cracks are becoming scarcer all the time, causing
so it could be manufactured in radio was offered on eBay as Serial Number 0001 collectors to not only appreciate them but to also bid highly for
st
many brilliant colors. (the 1 one ever manufactured) for $10,000. them at auction. Continued>

Judy’s
Ft. Myers Antiques Classic Furniture & Consignment
Antiques & Collectibles
“Everything Comes with a Story”
Authorized Dealer of
Sid Dickens
and Jewelry Memory Blocks

Buy & Sell Vintage Peddler
Estate Jewelry, Sterling
Pottery, Porcelains
Call for
Specializing in Summer
ALL JEWELRY Hours
Sal Lanzieri, Proprietor
Phone 239-481-9600 239-437-9117
Mobile 239-707-9216
12710 McGregor Blvd. 16050 S. Tamiami Trail, #101
Ft. Myers, FL 33919 Ft. Myers, FL 33908
Open Mon.-Sat. 10-4 1 info@vintagepeddler.net 2

1 GANNON’S
Antiques & Art

Antiques & Collectibles 16521 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL
Estate Liquidations Area’s LARGEST Mall
20,000 Square Feet
Specializing In-
Art Pottery
Nautical Antiques
2 4 50’s Modern Decor

Always Buying
3 239-432-0906
www.swapshopantiques.com 100 DEALERS
HUGE VARIETY
17851 Pine Ridge Rd. #1 Located on US 41
(239) 489-2211
Ft. Myers Bch, FL 33931 3 www.gannonsantiques.com 4