Object Name:

Radio

Maker / Manufacturer:

General Electric Company

Material:

Phenol formaldehyde (Bakelite)

Designer:

Unknown

Description:

Radio case is constructed of brown phenolic (Bakelite) and has ivory knobs and dial. ‘Bakelite’ is the trade name for the first fully synthetic plastic formed from phenol and formaldehyde. The early thermoset was developed in 1909 by Dr. Leo H. Baekeland and became known as “the material of a thousand uses.” Early applications include varnishes, jewelry, casings for radios, telephones, cameras, and electrical appliances.    

Dimensions:

8 x 10 x 8 1/2 in. (20.3 x 25.4 x 21.6 cm)

Date:

1935-1945

Credit Line:

Gift of George R. Smoluk

Accession Number:

2003.711