Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5

Retro Brass Bakelite "Matchstick" Pendant Necklace

$3,955
£2,989.49
€3,435.46
CA$5,507.31
A$6,126.66
CHF 3,211.67
MX$74,866.29
NOK 40,896.64
SEK 38,498.53
DKK 25,644.37
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Bakelite is a resin material that was produced in the early 1900's and was the first plastic substance made of synthetic components. Initially used for its electrically non conductive and heat resistant properties in radio and telephone castings, the material was also used in other products such as kids' toys, kitchenware and jewelry. Typically made of bold, beautiful colors, Bakelite has become very collectible over recent years and is appreciated amongst many. An absolutely stunning and rare Bakelite necklace from the Retro (ca1940s) era! This visually striking piece is comprised of an ensemble of colorful "matchstick" clustered pendants that hang along the center of its original black link chain. The 7 clusters of realistic looking matchsticks hang vertically in groups of 3 from a brass bail, each one displaying an ivory colored "stick" that ends with a colorful match "head." The heads are incredibly colorful and include a painted tip in a contrasting color, to create a whimsical appeal. The colors include lime green with a cream tip, deep orange with a cherry red tip, olive green with a yellow tip, and hanging slightly longer from a short extension chain at the center are red heads with a royal blue tip. The matchsticks are symmetrically placed along the center of the chain, which is comprised of rich, black interlocking links that provide the perfect background to the colorful pendants. Thanks to its length, this fabulous necklace can slip on and off overhead and also fastens in the back at a large spring ring clasp. This unique necklace will delight everyone when worn, making it a fantastic addition to any Bakelite collection! The necklace measures approximately 27.5" long. Each matchstick (including the bail at the top) hangs about 2 1/2" long and measures a little more than 1/4" thick at the tip, except for the cluster of matchsticks at the center, which hang approximately 3" long, including their extension chain. The overall condition of the necklace is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, there is no serious damage to the brass setting or Bakelite links. Some paint at the ends of the matchsticks is worn or chipped, however, due to the intricate and colorful nature of the piece, it is hardly noticeable when worn. A small handful of the chain links display a few tiny chips, but due to their size and color, they are not noticeable when worn. The spring ring clasp is secure and in good working condition.
  • Metal:
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 27.5 in (698.5 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1940
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. The overall condition of the necklace is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, there is no serious damage to the brass setting or Bakelite links. See description for more on the condition.
  • Seller Location:
    Narberth, PA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 435141stDibs: LU32810187902

More From This Seller

View All
Early Victorian 18kt Swiss Enamel Open Link Chain Necklace 25"
Located in Narberth, PA
Although this necklace does not depict a traditional scenic Swiss image, it features the fine Swiss enamel craft, dating from the early Victorian (ca1850s) era! Crafted in vibrant 18...
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Link Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Brass and Glass Bead Choker
Located in Narberth, PA
An incredible choker necklace from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! This necklace features a wonderful mixture of brass and glass beads. The brass beads are tube-shaped and feature an int...
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian 14k Gas Pipe Necklace 16"
Located in Narberth, PA
A fantastic gas pipe chain necklace from the Vintage (ca1960s) era! This stunning piece has a strong Vintage look, and is crafted in vibrant 14k gold. The spring-like necklace has a ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Rope Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Retro Italian 14k Gooseneck Chain Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A fantastic gooseneck chain necklace from the Retro (ca1940s) era! This stunning piece has a strong Retro look and is comprised of a graduating 14k yellow gold flexible gooseneck cha...
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Retro Chain Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Edwardian 14kt Swiss Enamel Open Link Chain Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A wonderful Swiss enamel chain from the Edwardian (ca 1900s)era! Crafted in bright 14kt yellow gold, the piece is comprised of open oval links that ...
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Late Art Deco Faceted Citrine Enamel & Gold Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A fantastic and very unusual citrine necklace from the Late Art Deco (ca1930) era! This beautiful piece is comprised of a single large sized teardrop citrine that hangs from a 14kt y...
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

You May Also Like

French Art Deco Bakelite Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
French Art Deco bakelite link necklace in varied shades of brown with chrome link stations. Necklace terminating in a large, floral carved bak...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Link Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

LB offers Magnificent French Buckle Bakelite Glass Sterling pendant necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux offer’s a magnificent, one of a kind, handmade, Art Deco style, antique French steel buckle, Bakelite, and antique rhinestone but...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Steel

Wonderful Art Deco Bakelite Tulip Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful and Rare Bakelite Tulip Necklace from the Art Deco period. Hand carved tulip heads of different sizes retain their original tonal patina and a...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

French Modernist Necklace
Located in New York, NY
French modernist artistic vari link necklace composed of gilt discs, faux wood and bakelite rings with large faux ivory bakelite toggle stations . Marked France. Excellent Conditio...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Link Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

French Modernist Necklace
$495
Free Shipping
Art Deco Sterling, Bakelite and Paste Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Bakelite and sterling necklace set with pastes from the 1930s. Black bakelite squares are set with pave ronds and triple navette spacers. The motif is 12" long with an additi...
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Link Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage CZECHOSLOVAKIAN gold tone glass beads designer pendant necklace
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with glass • vintage designer pendant MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 50 ❤️❤️ VINTAGE D...
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces