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Florida’s Best Newspaper for Antiques & Collectibles
JUNE 2017 • Volume 30 No. 10 www.antiqueshoppefl.com
Bakelite Radios Things of Beauty
By Larry LeMasters
LeMasters’ Antique News Service
The mystery of radio began around 1820 when Hans Christian Ørsted first
made a connection between electricity and magnetism. The work of many
inventors followed — people like André-Marie Ampère, Michael Faraday,
Guglielmo Marconi, and Reginald A. Fessenden all added to the exploration
of knowledge that became radio. But, arguably, the man who deserves the
Above: Sentinel Art Deco Bakelite most “thanks” for the invention of radio is Leo Baekeland, a Belgian-American
radio, circa late 1940s; $490. chemist, who, in 1907, invented Bakelite.
Right: This red, white & blue, Bakelite, also Baekelite, is an early plastic. Formed by a condensation reaction
patriotic Bakelite radio from
Emerson was offered on eBay for of phenol and formaldehyde, Bakelite was one of, if not the first, plastic
$3,750. made from synthetic components. Because plastic is considered electrically
nonconductive, Bakelite became the earliest plastic that radio cases
were made from. Baekeland advertised Bakelite as “The Material of A
Thousand Uses.”
While Bakelite may not have had 1,000 uses, it did possess some
important properties that made it perfect for radio casings. First, it
could be molded very quickly, making it perfect for the mass-production
of identical units. Bakelite moldings were smooth and retained their
shape well. They were also hard, so they proved resistant to scratches.
Bakelite’s ready availability and speed of molding helped reduce
radio production costs, allowing even the relatively poor to buy Bakelite
radios.
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Oviedo Antique Mall Summer Extravaganza June 2-5. In This Issue . . .
During the 4 day extravaganza, all 110 dealer booths will be offering fabulous sale pricing -
up to 50% off storewide. There will also be a complimentary hot & cold buffet is available all
4 days. During the Friday thru Monday sale each customer purchasing $30 or more receives Buster Brown & Mary Jane Ritter
a free gift. ...pg. 32 Collecting Road
Located at 95 Geneva Drive Oviedo, FL 32765 (407-366-3668), Oviedo Antique Mall is open Children's Skates
7 Days a week Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm & Sunday 12-6pm. Clothing ...pg. 21
The 12,500 square foot mall is loaded with an ever-changing array of all your favorite ...pg. 22
antiques and collectibles. Offered are coins & paper money, gold, silver & costume jewelry,
furniture, primitives, linens, Lladro, Baccarat, China & Crystal, Lenox, military collectibles,
Fiestaware, art work, advertising collectibles, antiquarian books, Kitchenalia, LP albums,
Longaberger baskets, Disney collectibles, antique toys and so much more!
Stroll through Oviedo Antique Mall while listening to 1950’s hit music. Complimentary
Snacks and drinks are always available for our customers. Onsite watch & clock repair by 40
year veteran watchmaker, as well as complete onsite antique and modern camera repair Collecting History
service. -June... pg. 14
PUBLIC AUCTION 2154 U.S.
EVERY WEDNESDAY HWY. 301
APPROX 1:00 P.M. Zephyrhills, FL
Antiques, Collectibles 1-800-765-1628
Furniture & More Voted “Florida’s Best Auction” www.actionauctioneers.com