I have the house to myself today. Dave continues his hunt for the elusive deer. The weather in the northwoods has been icky and they have not even seen a deer...maybe he will come home tonight, but today the house is empty. And quiet, except for the noise of my choosing. I choose the radio station, on loud. Christmas music, on loud. Living with a hearing deficit, I tend to have the volumes at levels that can be a bit irritating to those in the house that have normal hearing.
I received a gift this week. My Aunt Jean has given up housekeeping and gave me this lovely dresser set.
This set belonged to her mother (my Grandma), an engagement gift from her husband. My Dad was born in 1925, so this set dates from the early 1920's.
It might be Bakelite, do either of my two readers know how to identify bakelite? Ann? Flouride? Anyone?
7 comments:
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 a National Historical Chemical Landmark in recognition of its significance as the world's first synthetic plastic.[1]
The "retro" appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing
I too read this fascinating blog whenever Loose Ends posts! Not sure if this is bakelite but I have seen these dresser sets before and they have a wonderful vintage look!
Love the new blog background.
I am not sure if it is bakelite, but a lot of the dresser sets were made with it. According to "Anonymous", it looks like you have some hazardous material on your hands - "formaldehyde". I'd hold onto it anyway.
I was so excited when I saw that the blog entries had moved to "42".
Ann
It is so nice to receive something so precious! I know you will cherish it. Happy Thanksgiving!! It has been a long time between posts. Miss them! By the way, my corner looks worse than that! Just ask Jim.
Barb W.
Perhaps Bakelite. But, it matters not. What a wonderful treasure. Love the SockMonkey, too. I'm a follower, as well!
XO
Cinie
I'm so glad your're back, it's been so long I think I forgot how to leave a comment. What a beautiful dresser set. I don't know if it is bakelite or not. What a lovely way to remember your Grandma. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with Dave and the cats and any one else that shows up.
Fluoride
Hi Again,
Is Aunt Jean the one who liked her Kummel??? Not only did she have great taste in liquor, the dresser set is beautiful also.
Fluoride
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