Bakelite (pronounced bake-a-lite) is another name for phenolic resin, developed by the Belgian-American chemist Dr. Leo Baekeland in Yonkers, NY, in 1907. It was the first plastic made from synthetic components making it revolutionary for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings and such diverse products as pipe stems, children's toys, and firearms. It was also seen as an inexpensive alternative to high-end jewelry materials. Some bracelets can be quite beautiful due to the penetration of light and Bakelite's transparency. The resin can be molded quickly, is smooth, retain its shape, and is resistant to heat, scratches, and destructive solvents. It is not flexible, however.
Bakelite Corporation faced serious competition from other companies after Baekelite's patent expired in 1927. The term Bakelite is sometimes used in the resale market to indicate various types of early plastics, including Catalin or Faturan, which may be brightly colored, as well as items made of Bakelite material. A popular alternative to everyone's silver kitchenware. Since its glory days through the 1940s, Bakelite jewelry and radios have become popular collectible items. New reproductions can resemble Bakelite, however.
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