
Vintage Mustard Yellow Bakelite or Catalin Stretch Bracelet
This is a vintage stretch-style bracelet featuring a repeating pattern of geometric and spherical elements. The piece is constructed from a hard, semi-translucent material that appears to be early 20th-century plastic, likely Bakelite or Catalin, given its characteristic 'butterscotch' or 'mustard yellow' coloration and soft, matte-to-satin luster. The design alternates between large, thick rectangular plaques with slightly rounded edges and pairs of smaller spherical beads. Each rectangular component measures approximately 2.5cm in length. The material exhibits a subtle chatoyancy or internal swirl effect typical of phenolic resins from the Art Deco era (circa 1930s-1940s). The construction utilizes a double-stranded elastic cord system that passes through parallel drill holes in the beads, allowing for a flexible fit. Condition-wise, the material shows minor surface scuffing and fine concentric scratches consistent with age and gentle wear, but no major chips or cracks are visible. There are no apparent maker's marks or stamps, which is common for this type of costume jewelry. The overall craftsmanship is high, with uniform shaping and smooth finishing across all components.
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Estimated Value
$150-$225
Basic Information
Category
Vintage Costume Jewelry
Appraised On
February 12, 2026
Estimated Value
$150-$225
Item Description
This is a vintage stretch-style bracelet featuring a repeating pattern of geometric and spherical elements. The piece is constructed from a hard, semi-translucent material that appears to be early 20th-century plastic, likely Bakelite or Catalin, given its characteristic 'butterscotch' or 'mustard yellow' coloration and soft, matte-to-satin luster. The design alternates between large, thick rectangular plaques with slightly rounded edges and pairs of smaller spherical beads. Each rectangular component measures approximately 2.5cm in length. The material exhibits a subtle chatoyancy or internal swirl effect typical of phenolic resins from the Art Deco era (circa 1930s-1940s). The construction utilizes a double-stranded elastic cord system that passes through parallel drill holes in the beads, allowing for a flexible fit. Condition-wise, the material shows minor surface scuffing and fine concentric scratches consistent with age and gentle wear, but no major chips or cracks are visible. There are no apparent maker's marks or stamps, which is common for this type of costume jewelry. The overall craftsmanship is high, with uniform shaping and smooth finishing across all components.
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