General Bakelite Company Trade Publication, "Bakelite on the Automobile, Motor Cycle, Motor Boat, and Aeroplane," 1916
THF729575 / General Bakelite Company Trade Publication, "Bakelite on the Automobile, Motor Cycle, Motor Boat, and Aeroplane," 1916
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Artifact Overview
Leo Baekeland developed the first chemically synthetic plastic, Bakelite, in 1907. In 1910, he formed the General Bakelite Company to cultivate Bakelite's commercial prospects. Durable and nonconductive, Bakelite was well suited for use in the electrical and communications fields as well as the automotive industry. This booklet advertised molded Bakelite components for cars, as well as motorcycles, boats, and airplanes.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Booklet
Date Made
1916
Creators
Place of Creation
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
2022.0.1.8
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Printing (Process)
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 9 in
Width: 6.5 in
Keywords |
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Related Content
SetBakelite, “The Material of a Thousand Uses”
- 13 Artifacts
When Leo Baekeland finally succeeded in developing the first chemically synthetic plastic in 1907, he knew he'd created a versatile material with broad appeal. Indeed, "Bakelite" proved suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. Touted as "the material of a thousand uses," Bakelite became a household name and helped usher in the age of plastics.
articleBakelite: The "Material of a Thousand Uses"
Learn the history of Bakelite, the first truly synthetic plastic, and the conservation issues it poses for artifacts.