Powder Boxes

Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar

Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar
Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar

Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar

This listing is for an antique celluloid vanity set consisting of a dresser tray, hair receiver and powder jar. This set of dressing table accessories is made from celluloid (see history below), known as pyralin and marketed as "french ivory, " and would have been a staple on a late 19th and early 20th century lady's vanity.

The set is in remarkably good condition for its age, with only some very minor flaws--see photos. The nature of this early plastic made it prone to damage from perfumes and other cosmetic products, as well as natural deterioration over time. The generously-sized tray (marked "french py-ra-lin") measures 8-3/8" x 11-3/8"; the hair receiver (marked "french ivory") measures 4-5/8" in diameter x 2.5" tall; the powder jar (marked "french ivory") measures 4.5" in diameter x 2-3/8" tall. See photos for additional details.

History (from online sources): french ivory is a plastic produced to simulate ivory. In the late 19th century, a type of synthetic material was created to imitate natural ivory which was expensive and difficult to obtain. The result was french ivory, first produced by the xylonite company in 1866.

The material, often also known as ivoride, ivorine, and pyralin, is made from celluloid, a type of thermoplastic that was very popular until the middle of the 20th century. It has a series of parallel lines on the surface that help differentiate it from natural ivory, and it weighs less than ivory, but it was popular for use in things like flatware handles, gaming pieces, furniture decorations, vanity accessories, and many other items that are now popularized as antiques. The earliest attempts to make an artificial substitute for ivory were ineffective, but by adding camphor to the mixture, french ivory was created at a relatively low cost compared to the natural alternative. A note about vintage: everything we sell at alegriacollection is vintage, meaning that it's at least 20 years old, often much older. Consequently, most of our items show evidence of previous use and, in general, this is viewed as adding to the aged character of a piece.

We make every effort to accurately describe any flaws and encourage you to carefully read the description, particularly when purchasing vintage as a gift. Nevertheless, whether used or new, our products were manufactured by someone else, under conditions, per specifications, and with materials unknown to us and over which we have no control. Therefore, we make no warranties, express or implied, as to the safety of any and all items. Vintage electric and electronic items should be inspected by qualified professionals and used accordingly.

Be sure and visit our other shop sections via the navigation bar on the left, here. Thank you for shopping at alegriacollection. This item is made of early plastic.


Antique Celluloid Vanity Set Early 20th Century Dressing Table Accessories Plastic Dresser Tray Hair Receiver and Powder Jar