What is French ivory?

French ivory is an early artificial material created for the form of expensive natural ivory. This artificial ivory is made of cellulose cellulose and camphor of thermoplastic dating up to 60 years and is widely used until the mid -20th century. It can be distinguished from natural ivory by parallel lines rather than cross lines found in the right ivory and its lighter weight. French ivory can be easily formed, making it an ideal substance for a wide range of objects, including the decorative sets of the chest of drawers, handles for cutlery, hair accessories and game pieces. Although it has certain disadvantages and requires thoughtful storage and care, many antique and vintage items made of this early plastic are highly collectible. Only when the Kofrbyly was added to the experimental mixture created by RD Balls. Alexander Parkes, Daniel Spill, John Wesley and Isaiah Hyatt played key roles in the improvement of this early plastic in 60 and 70 years.

Soon the material was formed in various decorative items, including jewelry, accessories, buttons and handles for hair brushes and other personal care items, all at relatively low costs. Also known as Ivorine, Ivoire de Paris , Ivorette and other different business names that encounter its similarity to natural ivory, the material was popular because of its ivory and availability. The use of more durable plastics eventually replaced its widespread use.

Created mainly from cellulose of plant material and alcoholized coffee, this early artificial material had certain disadvantages. The bulge balls were told that they sometimes break into contact, and the material is highly flammable. Unlike ivory, French Ivory Yellow with age. It is also easily colored by perfumes and oils, so French jewelry and ivory accessories are less durable that the natural materials that this substance imitated.

along with the productionCelluloid, which resembled ivory, were created colors that mimic tortoiseshell, Coral and Amber, which are also expensive natural materials. Special dyes were used to color celluloid. Beads, Brochy, decorative hair combs, hats and other accessories from celluloid from ivory color are easy to find on antique markets and collector shops with jewelry.

There are several tests to identify items from French ivory. The "hot pin" test is destructive and is often not used to collectors because celluloid is flammable. A less nasty test involves holding a piece in hot water for a few seconds, and if it emits a coffee aroma, like Mothballs, it's probably celluloid. This early plastic can also be identified by its lightweight weight and overlap when it is held to light. Its tendency to fragility and cracking also helps to identify.

care for antique and vintage items made from French ivory requires attention to the conditions of warehousethe way. Extreme heat and cold, along with high humidity or direct sunlight, can damage French ivory. Oils, alcohol-based perfumes, makeup and other chemicals should be kept far from the items made from celluloid. It can be cleaned with warm water and a soft brush.