
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Catalin Bakelite Salt and Pepper Shakers
This is a pair of vintage salt and pepper shakers featuring a classic Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. These shakers are constructed from a two-tone plastic, likely Catalin or Bakelite, which was popular in the 1930s through the 1950s. The main bodies are an elongated, rectangular form with rounded shoulders and a cream-colored or butterscotch finish. The bases are a vibrant, contrasting cherry red. The overall height appears to be approximately 2.5 to 3 inches. The construction is typical of Art Deco-influenced tabletop items, focusing on clean lines and bold color blocks. In terms of condition, there is visible surface wear including minor scuffing, localized discoloration, and small dark specks which are common in aged phenolic resins. The left shaker displays some slight patina or grime accumulation near the top edge. There are no obvious cracks or catastrophic chips visible from the primary angle, though the bottom edges show some slight roughness consistent with use. The smooth, polished finish suggests a higher quality of early synthetic manufacturing. No maker's marks are visible on the exterior faces; such marks were often located on the underside or integrated into the screw-on caps if present. This set exemplifies the Streamline Moderne style of mid-20th-century kitchenware design.
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Estimated Value
$25 - $45
Basic Information
Category
Antique Kitchenware / Collectible Plastics
Appraised On
January 25, 2026
Estimated Value
$25 - $45
Item Description
This is a pair of vintage salt and pepper shakers featuring a classic Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. These shakers are constructed from a two-tone plastic, likely Catalin or Bakelite, which was popular in the 1930s through the 1950s. The main bodies are an elongated, rectangular form with rounded shoulders and a cream-colored or butterscotch finish. The bases are a vibrant, contrasting cherry red. The overall height appears to be approximately 2.5 to 3 inches. The construction is typical of Art Deco-influenced tabletop items, focusing on clean lines and bold color blocks. In terms of condition, there is visible surface wear including minor scuffing, localized discoloration, and small dark specks which are common in aged phenolic resins. The left shaker displays some slight patina or grime accumulation near the top edge. There are no obvious cracks or catastrophic chips visible from the primary angle, though the bottom edges show some slight roughness consistent with use. The smooth, polished finish suggests a higher quality of early synthetic manufacturing. No maker's marks are visible on the exterior faces; such marks were often located on the underside or integrated into the screw-on caps if present. This set exemplifies the Streamline Moderne style of mid-20th-century kitchenware design.
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