Bakelite (?) Napkin Dispenser

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by David Askett, Aug 3, 2023.

  1. David Askett

    David Askett Well-Known Member

    Today, I found a napkin dispenser unlike any I’ve seen before. It’s made of a jade green plastic with a marbleized finish, with a spring loaded metal plate inside to push up napkins. On the back, it’s marked “Maplex Toronto”. I’m told it’s made of Bakelite, and dates to the late 1940’s - early 1950’s. Is this plausible? I know Maplex made a lot of melamine kitchenware, but not sure about Bakelite. Still, to my eyes this looks more like Bakelite than melamine. Will be interested in your thoughts!

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    David Askett, Aug 3, 2023
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    moreotherstuff and komokwa like this.
  2. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Since the name is molded in, the base at least can't be bakelite so odds are the top isn't either. It's meant to also hang on a wall. Diner tabletop napkin dispenser possibly?
     
    evelyb30, Aug 3, 2023
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    crowleys and komokwa like this.
  3. David Askett

    David Askett Well-Known Member

    Oh, good point! I hadn’t realised detail like a name couldn’t be molded into Bakelite. Hmmm…
     
    David Askett, Aug 3, 2023
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  4. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Carved in sure, molded in no. Not like that anyway.
     
    evelyb30, Aug 3, 2023
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  5. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    More likely styrene (polystyrene).
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2023
    verybrad, Aug 4, 2023
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