How to set your table with vintage bakelite
Jul 4, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Bakelite Flatware, available at Evelynne’s Oldies but Goodies
The amazing world of plastics opened up during the mid-twentieth century, bringing with it new possibilities. Perhaps no material championed this excitement better than bakelite. We adore bakelite’s colors and styles and love all the ways it was used: jewelry, home accessories, and even kitchen utensils. Bakelite in the kitchen is something collectors are exploring more and to find out what you need to know about it we turned to our resident experts, Linda Grossman and her mother, Evelyn Roth, co-owners of Evelynne’s Oldies But Goodies. With over 40 years of collecting experience and a pride for finding mint pieces for their clients, they’re the perfect resources for learning how to set your table with vintage bakelite.
Linda with Evelynne’s Oldies But Goodies
Evelynne’s Oldies But Goodies
Flushing, NY
718.463.1514
Linda is currently seeking people to consign their bakelite with her; please connect via telephone or through the shop’s website.
“The broad pallet of Bakelite enables today’s collector to enjoy both nostalgia and utility. For example, your eye catches a set of red plastic canisters – and it becomes a “look” in your kitchen, which can be followed for a search for a set of Bakelite Flatware for your dining experience. Above all, you are buying what you like and at the same time buying items of value. The value increases as authentic examples of an era diminish in supply. Collecting is a tangible: you had fun finding it and have the pleasure of the item in your home.”
Learn more about the shop on their blog and Facebook page.
How to set your table with vintage bakelite
Bakelite flatware
Because of bakelite’s dynamic properties it was used for a variety of purposes. Flatware is a great way to start incorporating this plastic into your kitchen decor. When you start collecting, don’t be alarmed if your set is without spoons. As Linda shares, many flatware sets did not contain spoons in the first place. These items were marketed as picnic sets, only providing users with knives and forks for their outdoor dining pleasure.
A fun, colorful set available at Evelynne’s Oldies but Goodies
When it comes to colors, any and all combinations are desired but Linda finds that red flatware sets are the most in demand. Two toned sets are harder to find and are more costly to collect. You should keep in mind that when it comes to dual tones, handles were most likely composed of bakelite and lucite. Handle styles vary as well, from classic, sleek Art Deco looks without carvings to handles with intricately carved motifs.
Bakelite serving pieces
Linda recommends serving pieces as a great accompaniment to setting your vintage table. Keep in mind that the colors don’t have to match; embrace the whimsy and find complimentary colors to enhance your setting. Serving pieces come in all sorts of uses: slotted spoons, large servings spoons, pie/pastry servers, and ice tea spoons (to name a few!). There are also fun pieces like ice cream scoops – perfect for your next gathering. Don’t be afraid to re-purpose your findings: child’s sets are ideal for small edibles. Remember that there are all sorts of useful kitchen bakelite tools too like potato mashers, spatulas, whisks, etc.
Beautiful ice cream scoop, available at Evelynne’s Oldies but Goodies
As we mentioned above, bakelite pieces are often paired with lucite (for example, cream corn on the bottom with clear, red lucite on top). When it comes to the metal material used in flatware and utensils, you’ll most often find stainless steel.
What to look for when collecting bakelite flatware
As we’ve discussed before, there are standard tips for authenticating bakelite. Be sure to use these methods when assessing a possible purchase, but Linda shares additional tips for flatware collecting. Avoid cracks, rust corrosion on the stainless portion, and scratches. Closely inspect the shop owner’s wares: does he/she pride themselves on the quality of their offerings? Flatware designers also incorporated geometric patterns (chevron or checkboard) and these are quite rare and will therefore be more expensive to collect. Due to their demand, there is sure to be a supply of fakelite so use all your senses!
Bakelite flatware set, available at Evelynne’s Oldies but Goodies
If you do find a piece with scratches it is very difficult to buff those out. Do not count on that technique fixing it. Any cracks or rust is there to stay as well. Sometimes you can remove rust with vinegar, but it doesn’t work as well for flatware. (However Linda uses this method successfully on clip backs of dress clips.)
How to tell if it’s fakelite
We’ve touched on this subject above, but Linda said that she has not encountered too many fake flatware sets. Jewelry is the biggest focus for people looking to make faux pieces. When it comes to assessing bakelite flatware, the collars are usually the give away: they are usually a white metal and must be tight and secure. Remember: nothing should be glued and loose fittings can’t be fixed. Authentic bakelite will not have any mold seams or lines. Signs of aging are a good thing.
Example of flatware marking, available at Evelynne’s Oldies but Goodies
Manufacturer’s markings
Mostly the marks are just on the knives or forks. A simple, etched “Stainless Steel” may be all you discover but there are common manufacturers that marked their creations as well: Soligen Rostfrei (literally means rust free), Royal Brand, Washington Forge, Sta-Brite, and Forge Craft (to name a few).
How to care for bakelite flatware
The instructions for washing and caring for flatware are pretty simple: never put the pieces in dishwasher; simply wash with warm, soapy water. With these tips you’ll be well on your way to setting a beautiful bakelite table that will be the envy of all your guests!
Cause A Frockus would like to thank the amazing Linda and Evelyn at Evelynne’s Oldies but Goodies and the Chicago Tribune.
For our readers: Do you love bakelite flatware? How do you go about designing and setting your table??