Advertising notepad

1901

Celluloid

Overall: 4 15/16 x 2 7/16 in. (12.5 x 6.2 cm)

Gift of Dadie and Norman Perlov and Daughters

2012.16.9

Celluloid, the first entirely synthetic plastic, was invented by John Wesley Hyatt (1837-1920) of Albany in 1869. It is created from nitrocellulose and camphor along with dyes and other agents. Hyatt first developed the material as a less expensive alternative to ivory in the production of billiard balls. Hyatt's invention was patented in 1869 and subsequently used for a wide range of objects, both in imitation of expensive animal products like ivory, horn, and tortoiseshell, and also as an inexpensive medium for objects such as dresser sets, jewelry, picture frames, and advertising giveaways. Celluloid, which is both flammable and fragile, was gradually supplanted by the stronger Bakelite in the 1920s. Celluloid continues to be used today for making Ping Pong balls and guitar picks.

DescriptionAdvertising notepad for Baker & Co. with celluloid front and back covers. Front cover text reads: Baker & Co. / MANUFACTURERS / OF / PLATINUM / FOR ALL PURPOSES. / 408-414 N.J.R.R. AVE. / NEWARK, / N.J. / NEW YORK / OFFICE / 120 LIBERTY ST. / TELEPHONE 3811 - CORTLANDT

Back cover features a picture of the Baker & Co. factory

First few pages include information on the type of platinum ware Baker & Co. manufactures, followed by more extensive information on "the use and care of platinum ware."

Useful information contained in this book: Table of Weights Per Square Inch of Platinum Sheet or Foil in Ounces and Grammes, Also Number of Square Inches of Platinum Foil Per Ounce. / Table of Weights Per Foot of Platinum Wire in Ounces and Grammes, Also Number of Feet Per Ounce. / Comparative Table of Lengths, Areas and Volumes. / Melting Point of Metals / Table for the Conversion of Thermometer Readings. / Comparison of Troy, Avoirdupois and French Weights. / Comparison of Wire Gauges. / 1901, 1902, and 1903 calendar.

InscribedFront text: Baker & Co. / MANUFACTURERES / OF PLATINUM / FOR ALL PURPOSES. / 408-414 N.J.R.R. AVE. / NEWARK, / N.J. / NEW YORK / OFFICE / 120 LIBERTY ST. / TELEPHONE 3811 - CORTLANDT

ClassificationsADVERTISING & BUSINESS EPHEMERA