Hunting for Plastic.

I've recently developed an interest in learning more about the world of vintage plastic. Often vintage plastic can be seen as kitsch, but can also be very collectible. I say that it is something that I have overlooked in the past but am determined to pay better attention to once I've delved into learning more and recognizing unique pieces when I see them.

 

My collection of plastic is pretty much null. I tend to go for the ceramic kitschy knick-naks, often from the 50s and 60s. However, I have acquired 4 plastic birds that have peaked my interest in learning more. I say plastic, but I tend to lean more towards thinking that they are of the celluloid variety.

 

I purchased these cute parakeets at a local antique store for $5. The cage I found at Michael's Craft store and I merely inserted a twig from a tree to support the little guys. The birds are white with each having a different accent color on the tail - one blue and one green.

 

I originally passed them by when I first spotted them at the antique store, but they never left my mind. Venturing back to the store the next day, they still were there and I scooped them up. They are simple pieces, but cute and fit perfectly in the bird cage that I found.  I've tried to do some research on them, but since they aren't marked the search options are limited. I have found similar sized birds that are said to be made of celluloid from the 1930s, ranging from Christmas ornaments to decorations for actual bird cages. Values range online, but I'm not concerned with price as I plan to hold onto these little birds for some time.

 

The second set of birds that I purchased came from a thrift store. Of course, I was shopping when there was a sale so I spent a whopping 50cents for both birds. I only have one of the birds pictured, along with an old wooden shoe that I purchased years ago. The other bird is similar, but is blue and has a different pose. These birds are marked with "Hong Kong" on the tree branch that they are sitting on. I'm on the fence about the type of material that these birds are, as they are a little different from regular celluloid. More research in the works!

 

To help out my search for plastics, I'm going to start to read Fantastic Plastic: The Kitsch Collector's Guide by Pete Ward. The book is filled with great photos and helpful tips in figuring out the mega world of vintage plastics. I'm hoping to finish before this Sunday, when I kick off my flea market going for the 2013 year. More to come!