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Antique Bakelite Collectibles

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Paris 1960s Era Gold-Tone Metal and Bakelite Jeweled Medallion Handmade Belt
Paris 1960s Era Gold-Tone Metal and Bakelite Jeweled Medallion Handmade Belt

Paris 1960s Era Gold-Tone Metal and Bakelite Jeweled Medallion Handmade Belt

Located in Philadelphia, PA

medallions, and bakelite 'jewels'. Unusual and impactful! Heavy and very well made. Assembled by hand, the

Category

1660s French Mid-Century Modern Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Bakelite Pocket Emptier, Early 20th Century
Bakelite Pocket Emptier, Early 20th Century

Bakelite Pocket Emptier, Early 20th Century

Located in Roma, IT

Bakelite Pocket Emptier realized by ABL in Belgium in the early 20th Century. Good condition.

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Antique Leather & Bakelite Travel Backgammon / Checkers Set from France
Antique Leather & Bakelite Travel Backgammon / Checkers Set from France

Antique Leather & Bakelite Travel Backgammon / Checkers Set from France

Located in San Diego, CA

Super rare antique leather and bakelite travel backgammon / checkers set, circa 1920s. The set is

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster
Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster

Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster

By Negretti & Zambra

Located in Norwich, GB

19th century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster. Housed in a black metal case with a

Category

1910s English Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Henry Howell Art Deco YZ Nut Bird Ashtray, Bakelite & Macassar, 1920
Henry Howell Art Deco YZ Nut Bird Ashtray, Bakelite & Macassar, 1920

Henry Howell Art Deco YZ Nut Bird Ashtray, Bakelite & Macassar, 1920

By Henry Howell Co. Ltd

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

made combining exotic woods with Bakelite and other synthetic materials of the time. This stunning

Category

1920s British Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite, Macassar

Semi-Automatic Large Bakelite Grocery Scale, Czech Republic, 1930s
Semi-Automatic Large Bakelite Grocery Scale, Czech Republic, 1930s

Semi-Automatic Large Bakelite Grocery Scale, Czech Republic, 1930s

Located in Żory, PL

Old shop scale from the 1930s/1940s, manufactured in the Czech Republic by Zbrojovka Brno. Semi-automatic scale, with internal weights. The scale is set with stylish metal buttons. A...

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver and Bakelite Telephone Child's Toy Baby Rattle
Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver and Bakelite Telephone Child's Toy Baby Rattle

Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver and Bakelite Telephone Child's Toy Baby Rattle

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

States in circa 1930 in the period Art Deco style. The toy rattle is composed of a molded black Bakelite

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Sterling Silver

Collection of Shaving Razors Brushes and Clothing Brush
Collection of Shaving Razors Brushes and Clothing Brush

Collection of Shaving Razors Brushes and Clothing Brush

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An assorted collection of shaving razors with Shaving brushes and a clothing or lint brush. The pieces are a complement to any Early 20th Century Collection - We are not experts in ...

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Antique Lorgnettes Pendant Spectacles in Silver by Georg Unite & Sons Birmingham
Antique Lorgnettes Pendant Spectacles in Silver by Georg Unite & Sons Birmingham

Antique Lorgnettes Pendant Spectacles in Silver by Georg Unite & Sons Birmingham

By George Unite & Sons

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Hand engraved pair of lorgnettes - hand-held compact spectacles in the shape of a necklace pendant. Made by Birmingham silversmithy Georg Unite and Sons circa 1880-1915. Fully hallma...

Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Silver

Vintage Brass Plated Cup Trophy with Bakelite Base c.1940
Vintage Brass Plated Cup Trophy with Bakelite Base c.1940

Vintage Brass Plated Cup Trophy with Bakelite Base c.1940

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT A vintage brass plated cup trophy with a Bakelite base and brass plaque. Shown with life

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

1920s Gaming Bingo Cage
1920s Gaming Bingo Cage

1920s Gaming Bingo Cage

Located in New Windsor, NY

Fully functioning Art Deco period Bingo ball cage. Cylindrical butterscotch Bakelite handle

Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Chess Game Set with Handmade Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Chessboard Black Lacquered
Chess Game Set with Handmade Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Chessboard Black Lacquered

Chess Game Set with Handmade Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Chessboard Black Lacquered

Located in Bochum, NRW

are 32 bakelite chess pieces. All are in excellent condition according to age and use. The lacquer has

Category

1920s Asian Japonisme Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Wood, Bakelite, Plastic

ANTIQUE FORTNUM & MASON BACKGAMMON SET IN ORIGINAL LEATHER CASE WiTH DICE
ANTIQUE FORTNUM & MASON BACKGAMMON SET IN ORIGINAL LEATHER CASE WiTH DICE

ANTIQUE FORTNUM & MASON BACKGAMMON SET IN ORIGINAL LEATHER CASE WiTH DICE

By Fortnum & Mason

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

the front right A very expensive and luxurious set, the pieces are Bakelite by the looks of things

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Bakelite, Oak

Henry Howell YZ Nut Bird Match Holder, Striker & Ashtray
Henry Howell YZ Nut Bird Match Holder, Striker & Ashtray

Henry Howell YZ Nut Bird Match Holder, Striker & Ashtray

By Henry Howell Co. Ltd

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Dunhill and were made combining exotic woods with Bakelite and other synthetic materials of the time

Category

1910s British Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite, Macassar

Fassamano Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses French Manufacture XIX century
Fassamano Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses French Manufacture XIX century

Fassamano Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses French Manufacture XIX century

Located in Milan, IT

, one with lenses and one without, mounted on the upper part, signed Lugene, made of Bakelite, blonde

Category

1860s French Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Crescent Moon & Brass Art Deco Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.
Crescent Moon & Brass Art Deco Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.

Crescent Moon & Brass Art Deco Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.

By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous pair of bakelite crescent moon and brass Art Deco bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Vintage Underwood Champion Portable Typewriter c.1946
Vintage Underwood Champion Portable Typewriter c.1946

Vintage Underwood Champion Portable Typewriter c.1946

Located in San Francisco, CA

and functions very well. The ribbon is good. The case is original with a Bakelite handle engraved

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Steel

Vintage Toledo Solid Steel Graduating Weights c.1930-1950
Vintage Toledo Solid Steel Graduating Weights c.1930-1950

Vintage Toledo Solid Steel Graduating Weights c.1930-1950

By Toledo Scale Company

Located in San Francisco, CA

lb, one 5 lb, one 2 lb and one 1 lb set in a solid Bakelite tray. CREATOR Toledo Scale Company

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Art Deco Copper German Perpetual Desk Calendar c.1930
Art Deco Copper German Perpetual Desk Calendar c.1930

Art Deco Copper German Perpetual Desk Calendar c.1930

Located in San Francisco, CA

the Bakelite handle on the side. A knob in the back allows you to adjust the date to match the day of

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Marble, Copper

French, Art Deco Bears Bookends, 1920
French, Art Deco Bears Bookends, 1920

French, Art Deco Bears Bookends, 1920

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

French Art Deco bookends, France, 1920's. Two bears. Noble woods and bakelite. Brass eyes. Measures

Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Brass

French Art Deco Style Desktop Telephone
French Art Deco Style Desktop Telephone

French Art Deco Style Desktop Telephone

Located in Guaynabo, PR

Bakelite handset. A plaque in the handset identifies the telephone’s maker in France- Dunyach et Leclert.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Fassamano French Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses Second Half  19th Century
Fassamano French Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses Second Half  19th Century

Fassamano French Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses Second Half 19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

Fassamano (from the French face-a-main) eyeglasses with handle that turns into a case shaped like the lenses; dark tortoise eyeglasses, oval lenses that when not used fall back insid...

Category

1860s French Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Fassamano French Tortoise antique Eyeglasses second half  19th Century
Fassamano French Tortoise antique Eyeglasses second half  19th Century

Fassamano French Tortoise antique Eyeglasses second half 19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

Fassamano (from the French face-a-main) eyeglasses with handle that turns into a case shaped like the lenses; dark tortoise eyeglasses, oval lenses that when not used fall back insid...

Category

1860s French Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Early 20th Century Western Electric  Desk Telephone
Early 20th Century Western Electric  Desk Telephone

Early 20th Century Western Electric Desk Telephone

By Western Electric

Located in Guaynabo, PR

a Bakelite handset. The base has a rotary dial. The phone is connected through a cord to a metal box

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Antique Wooden Wall Intercom Telephone Switchboard by L.M. Ericsson Type HA 100
Antique Wooden Wall Intercom Telephone Switchboard by L.M. Ericsson Type HA 100

Antique Wooden Wall Intercom Telephone Switchboard by L.M. Ericsson Type HA 100

By L.M. Ericsson

Located in Sweden, SE

bakelite mouthpiece (modern production replica available separately at various marketplaces). Provenance

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Brass, Copper, Steel

Pair of Art Deco Ship's Wheel Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.
Pair of Art Deco Ship's Wheel Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.

Pair of Art Deco Ship's Wheel Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.

By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.

Located in San Diego, CA

1930s. The bookends are made of walnut, brass and bakelite; they depict the captain’s wheel of a ship

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Binoculars Opera Glasses with Leather Case
Binoculars Opera Glasses with Leather Case

Binoculars Opera Glasses with Leather Case

Located in Miami, FL

Binoculars opera glasses with leather case.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Large Antique Pipe Wall Rack & Antique Pipe Stand w. Barrel & Many Carved Pipes
Large Antique Pipe Wall Rack & Antique Pipe Stand w. Barrel & Many Carved Pipes

Large Antique Pipe Wall Rack & Antique Pipe Stand w. Barrel & Many Carved Pipes

Located in Lisse, NL

Antique oak pipe wall rack and nutwood table pipe stand/holder with antique/vintage pipe collection. This beautiful collection for pipe smoking enthusiasts consists of a whole lot o...

Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Sterling Silver, Metal

Vintage Early 20th Century Vanity Set in Original Leather Case
Vintage Early 20th Century Vanity Set in Original Leather Case

Vintage Early 20th Century Vanity Set in Original Leather Case

Located in Forest Row, East Sussex

An early 20th century vanity set. Including sewing items, clothes brushes, perfume bottles, a vanity mirror, pedicure set, nail buffer and more. All original components complete. Exc...

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Leather, Bakelite

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Jugendstil Bakelite Candlesticks, Six Pieces
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Jugendstil Bakelite Candlesticks, Six Pieces

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Jugendstil Bakelite Candlesticks, Six Pieces

By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Linsden Ware

Located in Atlanta, GA

. Reference: This iconic Bakelite candlestick is pictured in all the reference books about collectible

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Art Deco Bakelite Modernist Box by Linsden, England circa 1925
Art Deco Bakelite Modernist Box by Linsden, England circa 1925

Art Deco Bakelite Modernist Box by Linsden, England circa 1925

By Linsden Ware

Located in Atlanta, GA

box is pictured in all the reference books about collectible Bakelite. - "Bakelite, an illustrated

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Jugendstil Art Deco Bakelite Candlestick, a Pair
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Jugendstil Art Deco Bakelite Candlestick, a Pair

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Jugendstil Art Deco Bakelite Candlestick, a Pair

By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Linsden Ware

Located in Atlanta, GA

in all the reference books about collectible Bakelite. - "Bakelite, The material of a thousand uses

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

1930's Bakelite Injection dot Bangle
1930's Bakelite Injection dot Bangle

1930's Bakelite Injection dot Bangle

Located in New York, NY

Collectible bakelite injection dot bangle from the 1930's. 6 creamy yellow dots circle the bangle

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Bakelite Bracelet.
Bakelite Bracelet.

Bakelite Bracelet.

Unavailable|$475

Bakelite Bracelet.

Located in Toronto, ON

Heavily carved, green and yellow Bakelite hinged bracelet.

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Bakelite Box Chocolat Martougin, 1920s, Belgium
Bakelite Box Chocolat Martougin, 1920s, Belgium

Bakelite Box Chocolat Martougin, 1920s, Belgium

Located in Retie, BE

- Belgian Chocolate - Chocolate Gift - Bakelite Collectibles

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Vintage 1930's Carved Butterscotch Bakelite Rose Necklace
Vintage 1930's Carved Butterscotch Bakelite Rose Necklace

Vintage 1930's Carved Butterscotch Bakelite Rose Necklace

Located in Seguin, TX

Circa 1930's carved butterscotch color bakelite rose pendant necklace. Large rose is 1.25" dia

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite, Wood

Early 20th Century Electrical 1 Ohm Resistor Test Piece in Wood, Bakelite, Rare
Early 20th Century Electrical 1 Ohm Resistor Test Piece in Wood, Bakelite, Rare

Early 20th Century Electrical 1 Ohm Resistor Test Piece in Wood, Bakelite, Rare

Located in Dallas, TX

bakelite with engraved serial number. Some paper ID label residue apparent on the wood surface that can be

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Clip Earrings by Jakob Bengel in Galalith

Art Deco Clip Earrings by Jakob Bengel in Galalith

By Jakob Bengel

Located in Kent, GB

in 2001. It is now a museum. Galalith was a patented alternative to Bakelite. Production of jewellery

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Late 19th Century Regency Style "Greyhound" Letter Opener
Late 19th Century Regency Style "Greyhound" Letter Opener

Late 19th Century Regency Style "Greyhound" Letter Opener

By Madel & Son

Located in San Francisco, CA

Think 19th century when people actually received posted mail, a gentleman was sure to have a "letter opener" on hand. This would be the perfect piece - an exquisite "Greyhound head" ...

Category

Late 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Victorian Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite, Polystyrene

Early 20th Century Toy Step, Step Bike
Early 20th Century Toy Step, Step Bike

Early 20th Century Toy Step, Step Bike

Located in Retie, BE

out of a collection which came from a castle - royal house. It's a collectable antique bike , antique

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

aEG Mignon typewriter, 1920s.
aEG Mignon typewriter, 1920s.

aEG Mignon typewriter, 1920s.

By AEG

Located in Felino, IT

aEG typewriter, mod Mignon 2, 1920s. portable model complete with wooden box. in good condition, all original. operation has not been verified, but all buttons and levers work.

Category

1910s German Industrial Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Smith & Wesson Revolver Set
Smith & Wesson Revolver Set

Smith & Wesson Revolver Set

Unavailable|$22,989 / set

Smith & Wesson Revolver Set

By Smith & Watson

Located in Paris, FR

Exceptional and complete original set of Smith & Wesson revolver model 44 Russian n.3. All pieces are original and in superb condition.

Category

1880s North American Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Copper

Vintage Carved Green Bakelite Alligator Crocodile Turtle Bangle Bracelet
Vintage Carved Green Bakelite Alligator Crocodile Turtle Bangle Bracelet

Vintage Carved Green Bakelite Alligator Crocodile Turtle Bangle Bracelet

Located in Dayton, OH

Early to mid 20th century green Bakelite bangle bracelet, beautifully carved in the weaving shape

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Vintage Bakelite Roulette Wheel by Rottgames
Vintage Bakelite Roulette Wheel by Rottgames

Vintage Bakelite Roulette Wheel by Rottgames

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage bakelite roulette wheel by Rottgames, circa 1940s. The wheel is 12" D x 3.5" H and includes

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Pair of Large Vintage Butterscotch Bakelite Dice
Pair of Large Vintage Butterscotch Bakelite Dice

Pair of Large Vintage Butterscotch Bakelite Dice

Located in Stamford, CT

Very cool pair of large-scale dice made of butterscotch bakelite, wonderful color and patina

Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Art Deco Dentists' False Teeth Bakelite Cabinet, c.1930
Art Deco Dentists' False Teeth Bakelite Cabinet, c.1930

Art Deco Dentists' False Teeth Bakelite Cabinet, c.1930

Located in San Francisco, CA

About An antique Bakelite, nine drawer cabinet stocked with samples of replacement false teeth

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Set of Seven Bakelite Forms
Set of Seven Bakelite Forms

Set of Seven Bakelite Forms

Located in Culver City, CA

Rare set of drawing forms used for study. Measures: 7" max height.

Category

1920s French Modern Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Art Deco General Electric Bakelite Telephone
Art Deco General Electric Bakelite Telephone

Art Deco General Electric Bakelite Telephone

By General Electric

Located in Nantucket, MA

An Art Deco Bakelite telephone by General Electric, London. Chrome rotary dial and refurbished cord

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Chrome

Antique Metal and Bakelite Check Writer, circa 1930
Antique Metal and Bakelite Check Writer, circa 1930

Antique Metal and Bakelite Check Writer, circa 1930

Located in San Francisco, CA

About An antique metal F & E check writer with one pull lever arm, Bakelite handle and knobs

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Antique Metal and Bakelite Check Writer, circa 1930
Antique Metal and Bakelite Check Writer, circa 1930

Antique Metal and Bakelite Check Writer, circa 1930

Located in San Francisco, CA

About An antique metal F & E check writer with one pull lever arm, Bakelite handle and knobs

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of Three Early 20th Century Ellis Bakelite Lighters
Set of Three Early 20th Century Ellis Bakelite Lighters

Set of Three Early 20th Century Ellis Bakelite Lighters

By Ellis

Located in Middleburg, VA

Set of Three Early 20th Century Ellis Bakelite Lighters One has etched signature. United States

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Bakelite

Art Deco Bakelite Modernist Smokers Stand Floor Ashtray, 1920s
Art Deco Bakelite Modernist Smokers Stand Floor Ashtray, 1920s

Art Deco Bakelite Modernist Smokers Stand Floor Ashtray, 1920s

Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP

bakelite. The plate and the ashtray can be rotated. The cleaned Ashtray weights 4 kg / 8.8 lbs.

Category

1920s European Art Deco Antique Bakelite Collectibles

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Iron

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Antique Bakelite Collectibles For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of antique bakelite collectibles available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique bakelite collectibles was constructed with extraordinary care, often using plastic, bakelite and metal. Antique bakelite collectibles have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique bakelite collectibles are generally popular furniture pieces, but Art Deco, Industrial and Victorian styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made antique bakelite collectibles over the years, but those made by Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen and Canadian General Electric are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Antique Bakelite Collectibles?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $450, while they’re typically $56 on the low end and $5,400 highest priced.

Materials: Plastic Furniture

Arguably the world’s most ubiquitous man-made material, plastic has impacted nearly every industry. In contemporary spaces, new and vintage plastic furniture is quite popular and its use pairs well with a range of design styles.

From the Italian lighting artisans at Fontana Arte to venturesome Scandinavian modernists such as Verner Panton, who created groundbreaking interiors as much as he did seating — see his revolutionary Panton chair — to contemporary multidisciplinary artists like Faye Toogood, furniture designers have been pushing the boundaries of plastic forever.

When The Graduate's Mr. McGuire proclaimed, “There’s a great future in plastics,” it was more than a laugh line. The iconic quote is an allusion both to society’s reliance on and its love affair with plastic. Before the material became an integral part of our lives — used in everything from clothing to storage to beauty and beyond — people relied on earthly elements for manufacturing, a process as time-consuming as it was costly.

Soon after American inventor John Wesley Hyatt created celluloid, which could mimic luxury products like tortoiseshell and ivory, production hit fever pitch, and the floodgates opened for others to explore plastic’s full potential. The material altered the history of design — mid-century modern legends Charles and Ray Eames, Joe Colombo and Eero Saarinen regularly experimented with plastics in the development of tables and chairs, and today plastic furnishings and decorative objects are seen as often indoors as they are outside.

Find vintage plastic lounge chairs, outdoor furniture, lighting and more on 1stDibs.

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