Bakelite Chips Appraisal

Vintage Bakelite Poker Chip Caddy with Chips

This item is a vintage poker chip caddy, likely constructed from Bakelite or a similar early plastic, exhibiting a rich, variegated brown and amber 'root beer' or tortoiseshell-like marbling pattern. The caddy is designed to hold poker chips in an organized fashion, featuring eight individual circular compartments arranged in two rows of four, with a central handle for portability. Each compartment securely holds one stack of chips. The handle appears to be a solid bar, matching the marbled material of the main body, smoothly integrated into the design. The overall construction suggests a molded process, characteristic of early plastics. The caddy currently contains a selection of poker chips: several white, two red, one royal blue, and one dark red or maroon chip. The white and red chips appear to be plain, standard poker chips of the era. The blue chip has a textured, possibly ribbed or reeded edge, and a central circular depression. The dark red/maroon chip also has a central depression or possibly a faded design. While the caddy itself shows good preservation of its material and form, there are visible signs of wear consistent with its age and use, possibly including minor surface scratches or dulling of the original luster, though this is difficult to ascertain definitively from the provided image. There are no evident cracks or major structural damage. The chips themselves may exhibit varying degrees of wear. The visible condition suggests it is an authentic vintage piece, possibly dating from the mid-20th century, a popular period for Bakelite items. The craftsmanship appears to be commercial grade for a common household gaming accessory.