Bakelite (pronounced /ˈbeɪkɨlaɪt/), or polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, is an early plastic. It is a thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, formed from an elimination reaction of phenol with formaldehyde, usually with a wood flour filler. It was developed in 1907–1909 by Belgian chemist Dr. Leo Baekeland.

One of the first plastics made from synthetic components (although phenol can be extracted from biological sources), Bakelite was used for its electrically nonconductive and heat-resistant properties in radio and telephone casings and electrical insulators, and also in such diverse products as kitchenware, jewellery, pipe stems, and children's toys. In 1993 Bakelite was designated an ACS National Historical Chemical Landmark in recognition of its significance as the world's first synthetic plastic.

The "retro" appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing has made them quite collectible in recent years.

From Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License
Fri Jul 30 18:24:29 2010

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BAKELITE pierced etched carved man soldier standing pin circa 1940 2 by 2 1 2 View B13041 $145 00

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BAKELITE green and wood laminated bangle great mellow colors 2 1 2 by 3 4 by 1 3 B12770 $145 00

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BAKELITE butterscotch faceted bangle a great spacer style 2 1 2 by 1 3 by 1 4 thick B33847 $68 00

From Yahoo Image Search: "Bakelite"
Thu Jul 22 22:54:37 2010

Idiosyncratic Fashionistas: Bakelite Boogaloo
idiosyncraticfashionistas.blogspot.com
Idiosyncratic Fashionistas: Bakelite Boogaloo

Jean and Valerie

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 06:12:00 GM

Jean says: On June 6th, Valerie and I road the rails to Yonkers, to the . Bakelite. Show at the Hudson River Museum. Although we talked about going for weeks, little procrastinators​ that we are, we waited until the closing day to make our ...

TATBiT's TAB Bakelite Bead Pendant Necklace
teritatbitdusenbury.wordpress.com
TATBiT's TAB Bakelite Bead Pendant Necklace

teritatbitdusenbury

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:23:05 GM

Original Design and Technique by Teri TATBiT Dusenbury. The center bead in this design is a bead that was once a necklace that belonged to a relative of Jane Eborall. . Bakelite. was developed in 1910 by Leo Hendrick Baekeland and was a ...

Vintage Radios | Vintage Bakelite Silvertone Tube Radio
find-vintage-radios.com
Vintage Radios | Vintage Bakelite Silvertone Tube Radio

unknown

ue, 20 Jul 2010 23:37:30 GM

Vintage Radios | Current Price: $ 19.99 Buy this item. Vintage Silvertone AM/FM tube radio. The radio has a low hum when plugged in, but I cannot get a station tuned in to.

From Google Blog Search: "Bakelite"
Thu Jul 22 05:56:08 2010

Madeleine Albright's Diplomatic Jewelry: 'Read My Pins' at Smithsonian - Politics Daily (blog)
politicsdaily.com
Madeleine Albright's Diplomatic Jewelry: 'Read My Pins' at Smithsonian - Politics Daily (blog)
Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:07:25 GMT+00:00
Politics Daily (blog) Bakelite . Fakelite. Mother of Plastic. Cultured Pearl. Titanium. Rubber. Leather. Feather. It doesn't matter. I love every piece I own. ...
Flannery's Estate Services - Antiques and the Arts Online
antiquesandthearts.com
Flannery's Estate Services - Antiques and the Arts Online
Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:04:21 GMT+00:00
Antiques and the Arts Online Bakelite , Rhinestones, enameled, Italian mosaic landscape brooch, victorian, pocket watches, Vintage 50's & 60's Summer dresses, Summer hats, ...
The Versatility of a Simple Bangle Bracelet - Jewelers Circular Keystone Online (blog)
jckonline.com
The Versatility of a Simple Bangle Bracelet - Jewelers Circular Keystone Online (blog)
Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:00:15 GMT+00:00
Jewelers Circular Keystone Online (blog) Think beyond metal too for example, a circle of natural hardwood or even a Bakelite bangle or one of another type of plastic might make an interesting ...

From Google News Search: "Bakelite"
Wed Jun 30 03:25:36 2010

What was the importance of Bakelite as a trendsetter?
Q. In the 1920s and 30s. Also ideas on how bakelite objects were styled?
Asked by Benski - Sat Mar 7 15:02:23 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The substance, originally intended as a shellac substitute, turned out to be an astonnishing multi-purpose talent. It was superior to other substances in many regards and employable in varied fields so that baekeland hit on the marketing slogan "The Material of a Thousand Uses". Already in the twenties the first entire sythetic plastic was indispensable in most industry branches. - The plastic era had begun. Although it is no longer extensively used as an industrial manufacturing material, in the past Bakelite was used in myriad applications, such as saxophone mouthpieces, cameras, solid-body electric guitars, rotary-dial telephones, early machine guns, and appliance casings. It was at one point considered for the manufacture of coins,… [cont.]
Answered by OakLey46 - Sat Mar 7 15:23:22 2009

How can I improve a bakelite product, add color, and increase productivity?
Q. How can I improve a bakelite product, add color, and increase productivity?
Asked by joseph k - Tue Jun 22 18:29:42 2010 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Your question is entirely unclear.
Answered by ronald.glass@sbcglobal.net - Tue Jun 22 21:56:07 2010

I bought a bakelite bracelet in an antique store today?
Q. and paid 30 dollars for it. It's a very simple pretty green bangle. I would appreciate knowing whether this is a fair average price or if I was over charged. If you've got any knowledge about this not so common material I'd appreciate it.
Asked by Audible silence - Wed Nov 26 19:15:27 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I would ask the Community at "I Antique Online" They have over 1000 members who buy, sell or collect antiques and art. You will get more specialized feedback this way.
Answered by Anthony S - Fri Nov 28 18:09:41 2008

From Yahoo Answer Search: "Bakelite"
Sat Jul 17 14:59:49 2010