Wiscasset Line - Celluloid Over Tin

Celluloid was invented in England in 1855, and was the first successful plastic material. It was a cocktail made of wood or cotton fibers combined with various acids. In the case of French Ivory, several cream colored shades of celluloid were stacked in thin layers, under pressure, and then cut across the grain. The resulting Ivory look-alike was a boon to the middle class, as they could now afford dresser sets, picture frames, and desk accessories which, previously made of elephant ivory, could only be afforded by the Upper Classes. In addition to French Ivory celluloid buttons, countless other patterns and spectacular colors of celluloid buttons can be found. Use of celluloid buttons was mostly discontinued by 1920, in favor of more durable plastics, such as Bakelite. Most celluloid buttons haven't survived in good condition, due to the fragile nature of this early plastic. It was easily damaged by heat, cold, moisture, and chemicals, such as even one drop of spilled perfume! Some celluloid buttons are thin and delicate, while most are raised up high, backed with tin, and hollow inside. This second type is what I use exclusively in my Wiscasset Line. The reason for this name is that so many of these rare buttons have been found in the countryside around Wiscasset, Maine.

Wiscasset Line - Celluloid Over Tin