Bakelite is a plastic compound discovered by Dr. Leo N. Baekeland in 1907, in New York. Bakelite because very useful because it was able to be molded or stretched into fibers. Kitchen fashion was changing and in the late 1920's  Oneida Community, Ltd. was the first company to begin to promote Bakelite-handled utensils of all sorts. Other companies jumped on the bandwagon and many beautiful utensils were created at a low price for the consumer, helping to give a color-jolt to the Depression era. Bakelite was seen in advertisements through the 1950's.
    
Bakelite was made in many styles and colors, with the metal of the utensil being stainless steel. Some pieces are marked with a manufacturer, other just marked "Stainless Steel". Two-tone handles liven up the table even more. Dinnerware sets were made only with knives and forks; spoons had to be bought separately. Complete sets for 6,8 or 12 place settings in original boxes are hard to come by. However with the many choices available in the collectible market place, combined with dinnerware from the period, a beautiful table can be easily had with a little effort.

Prices on the pieces pictures have set according to the excellent reference on Bakelite, "Bakelite in the Kitchen" by Barbara E. Mauzy. Her book is beautifully researched and illustrated and available through the Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310.  Close-up pictures of the pieces pictured can be taken, with many additional pieces waiting to be photographed and added to the website.

All pieces should be considered in good shape, unless noted, with any flaws to be noted. Pictures can be made if any question. 

Forks are $7 each, Knives $8 each, and  Spoons $8

Three knives with Lucite handles, $8 each

Lucite was invented in 1930 and is similar to Bakelite. It is sometimes confused with Bakelite, but is distinguished by its transparent handles, even with colored handles

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Prices subject to change due to variations in our cost. Let us know what you are interested in and we will verify condition and price.

If you have any questions you may email us, write us by postal mail (enclose a SASE), call us at (901) 327-3725, or fax us at (901) 346- 7416. However we do not accept collect calls but will return long distance calls, and we can be reached best after 5:00 PM central time. 

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