Celluloid

Celluloid is a trademark for a plastic developed in 1868 by John W. Hyatt. Celluloid Manufacturing Company, the Celluloid Novelty Company, Celluloid Fancy Goods Company, and American Xylonite Company all used Celluloid to make jewelry, games, sewing equipment, false teeth, and piano keys. Celluloid was invented to make billiard balls, but was also one of the first plastics used for jewelry. The name celluloid is often used to identify any similar plastic. Celluloid toys are listed under Toy. For more information, explore our identification guides for costume jewelry, accessories, celluloid toys, and dolls.