Early plastics are the first man-made and semi-synthetic mouldable materials, developed from the mid nineteenth century to the mid twentieth century. They include Parkesine and celluloid, made from cellulose nitrate; casein plastics derived from milk protein; the phenolic resin Bakelite; urea formaldehyde; and cast phenolics such as Catalin, often produced in bright colours.
Alexander Parkes exhibited his Parkesine at the International Exhibition in London in 1862, and celluloid soon followed, used to imitate ivory, tortoiseshell and coral in dressing table sets, combs, boxes and jewellery. Leo Baekeland's invention of Bakelite in 1907 introduced the first fully synthetic plastic, which became the material of choice for radios, telephones, light switches, clocks and desk accessories through the Art Deco years. Collectors prize strong, unfaded colours, crisp moulding, makers' marks and good design. Early plastics can be unstable: celluloid and cellulose acetate may crack, distort or give off acidic gases as they degrade, and are highly flammable. They are best kept in cool, stable, ventilated conditions, away from direct sunlight and other vulnerable objects. Identifying the material correctly is important both for value and for appropriate care.
