Bakelite Button Value Guide

This oval-shaped Bakelite button from the 1920-1950 era showcases the innovative spiral designs that defined early 20th-century American fashion. As the first true synthetic plastic patented by Leo Baekeland, these buttons are prized by collectors for their historical significance and unique molding capabilities.

What Is Bakelite Button Worth?

The typical price range for Bakelite Button is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the specific spiral design and oval geometry increases desirability among niche button collectors.
• Vibrancy of color and lack of surface oxidation or 'crazing' significantly impacts the $10-$15 price point.
• Authenticity as a US-manufactured piece from the 1920-1950 period ensures historical provenance.
• Overall physical condition, including the integrity of the shank or sew-through holes, determines final market value.

How to Identify Bakelite Button?

• Check for the distinctive 'clunk' sound when two buttons are tapped together, a hallmark of dense Bakelite.
• Look for the absence of mold lines, as authentic Bakelite buttons were typically carved or highly polished after molding.
• Perform a Simichrome or hot water test to detect the characteristic formaldehyde scent unique to genuine Bakelite.
• Examine the oval shape and intricate spiral pattern for the crisp, deep detailing possible only with early thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin.

History of Bakelite Button

Bakelite, the first true synthetic plastic, revolutionized industrial design and consumer goods in the early 20th century. Patented by Leo Baekeland in 1907, it was celebrated for its durability, electrical non-conductivity, and heat resistance. Bakelite buttons, often found in vibrant colors and intricate designs, were a staple of fashion from the 1920s to the 1950s, adorning everything from couture garments to everyday wear. Their unique molding capabilities allowed for mass production of stylish and functional fasteners, making them highly collectible today.