Theme:  Bakelite & Fibrotta
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The Bakelite & Fibrotta themed trays feature trays that are made of interesting man made materials of the time.  Were they produced because metal was being rationed for wartime production?  Were they looking for materials better suited to wet slippery glasses and bottles?  We will add research as we engage with our NABA members and details come forward.  Please send us any other examples of this interesting trays, by following the link above. 

Bartels Brewing Co.
Bartels Brewing Co.
Syracuse, NY
Fibrotta
Jos. Laurer Brewing Co.
Jos. Laurer Brewing Co.
Binghampton, NY
Fibrotta
Monroe Brewing Co.
Monroe Brewing Co.
Rochester, NY
Fibrotta
Fell Brewing Co.
Fell Brewing Co.
Pottsville, PA
Fibrotta
Bartels Brewing Co.
Bartels Brewing Co.
Syracuse, NY
Bakelite
Boyertown Brewing Co.
Boyertown Brewing Co.
Boyertown, PA
Bakelite
Fell Brewing Co.
Fell Brewing Co.
Carbondale, PA
Bakelite
Charles D. Kaier Co.
Charles D. Kaier Co.
Mahanoy City, PA
Bakelite
Stegmaier Brewing Co.
Stegmaier Brewing Co.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Bakelite
Walter Brewing Co.
Walter Brewing Co.
Pueblo, CO
Bakelite
Walter Brewing Co.
Walter Brewing Co.
Pueblo, CO
Bakelite
Brading Breweries Limited
Brading Breweries Limited
Ottawa, Canada
Bakelite w/ Sticker
Brading Breweries Limited
Brading Breweries Limited
Ottawa, Canada
Bakelite w/ Sticker
Bakelite
"Polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, better known as Bakelite, was the first plastic made from synthetic components.  It is a thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, formed from a condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde.  It was developed by the Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in Yonkers, New York, in 1907.  Bakelite was patented on December 7, 1909.

The creation of a synthetic plastic was revolutionary for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings and such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, children's toys, and firearms."

Excerpt from Wikiapedia - go here for the full article
Bakelite Coaster
Fibrotta
Made of compressed wood pulp, information regarding Fibrotta is limited.  Please contact us if you know more.  We did find the following:

"The United Indurated Fibre Company ("UIFC") was founded in the Niagara County, New York town of Lockport.  By a process of pulp compression they could create a moldable material that would retain its shape.  After being varnished, the molded piece would be water resistant and could tolerate temperature extremes."

Internet research shows this material primarily being used in wood pulp serving pieces, such as bowls and water pitchers.  It is also referenced as being used of fire brigade buckets, as the water did not soak into the bucket and make it as heavy.

Fibrotta Detail


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