Bakelite

Many early radios were made with wood casings but with the advent of Bakelite, the switch to moulded casings was rapid. The flexibility of the new material also allowed designers to create what was then considered futuristic designs.

Large or small, Bakelite was completely adaptable for every situation. One disadvantage of Bakelite is it tended to be more brittle than modern plastics. This led to accidently dislodged radio casings cracking or completely shattering when they hit the floor. It was not an uncommon sight in homes to see broken radio casings held together by string, glue, sticking plasters or a variety of sticky tape.

Trumpet speakers for early wirelesses  were a follow-on from early gramophones or phonographs. Early radio reception was quite rudimentary and sound volume controls, (amplification),  was not invented until 1925.

An example of a futuristic designed wireless set. Although wireless sets received radio transmissions, the term “radio-set” did not come into popular usage until the latter half of the 20^th century. By definition a wireless set had no wires and early sets were frequently powered by heavy rechargeable accumulator type batteries.

Early steam irons heated on a gas ring. Water in a small reservoir pressurised by a built in hand pump dripped the water onto the hot plate to produce steam. Due to its low heat conductivity, moulded Bakelite formed the handle.

Early electrical steam irons. Electricity heated the base-plate and water in a small reservoir pressurised by a built in hand pump dripped onto the hot plate to produce steam. At this time due the low heat conductivity, Bakelite handles retained their popularity.

Originally almost dark brown in colour, the development of lighter colours and patterning made for more attractive kitchenware as can be seen in these jelly moulds and fruit juice squeezers. Bakelite also had the great advantage over its metal predecessors in that it did not rust and was easy to clean.

The introduction of coloured Bakelite also led to a large range of tableware being produced. Cruet sets, egg cups, toast racks, napkin holders, mustard pots and butter dishes were among the vast paraphernalia of multi-coloured moulded tableware.

With the blossoming domestic electricity market in the mid 20^th century, the non-conductive property of Bakelite made it the ideal material for forming a large range of electrical products including insulators, plugs and sockets, meters and junction boxes. Due to both the cost and inconvenience caused by lifting floorboards and chasing cable runs in walls, in early domestic electrical installations it was the practice to fit only one power socket and light in each room.

The initial lack of power outlets led to the development of light adaptors designed to run an additional electrical appliance from the light cord. Due to a general lack of understanding of electrical power loadings, it was not uncommon for people to join together numerous light adaptors in a Christmas Tree style. This led to many house fires as power cables overheated the early types which were only insulated by cloth, rubber or paper.

A wide variety of domestic hair dryers were made with Bakelite cases…….

…. As indeed were industrial hair dryers.

Some of the early hair dryers with Bakelite components looked akin to an electric chair….

…. while other components were fitted to a dentists drilling machine, the sight of which may bring back memories of horror.

Other domestic appliance with Bakelite casings and fittings included vacuum cleaners ……..

….. and electric fires.

Toasting machines and coffee peculators.

Knife sharpeners, food mixers, mincing machines and slow cookers.

Washing machines and iron presses.

Electric ovens.

Sewing machine tables

Serving trays

Even musical instruments and games were made from Bakelite……

…. As were grooming aids and jewellery.

Cameras, projectors, binoculars and scientific instruments.

Wall plaques and inkwells.

Picnic hampers.

Toy house building bricks and kits.

Adding machines.

Teas Maid machines.

Telephones and typewriters.

Objects D’art.

Up and coming Edwardian business gentlemen would be sure to have the latest equipment in their office or study. This is an early example of a Dictaphone housed in a Bakelite casing. It worked on the same principle as early record players. A needle etched grooves from sound vibrations onto a wax cylinder which a secretary would later play back and listen to.

Even at life’s end Bakelite was there to accompany a person on their final journey with this example of an unusual, if not quirky, rot-proof Bakelite coffin. Probably not quite what those today desiring a “Green Funeral” have in mind.