A rare pair of early 20th-century Art Deco candle holders made with one of the world’s first plastics – Galalith, a material even older than Bakelite. Galalith was invented in Germany around 1900, created from casein (milk protein) and formaldehyde, and quickly became prized for its elegant, marble-like finish and organic origin. Unlike later plastics, Galalith was not molded by heat – it was cut, turned, and polished by hand, which gives every piece its own pattern and texture. We performed several careful tests to confirm authenticity: – No reaction to Bakelite polish paste, which is expected for Galalith; – When lightly warmed, a clear scent of old soap appears – the distinctive hallmark of genuine milk-based plastic; – The surface shows fine natural flow lines and depth typical of early casein plastic; – A single green section weighs about 173 grams, consistent with the density of Galalith. These results leave no doubt: the material is authentic Galalith, produced during the early era of plastic innovation, before 1920s Bakelite manufacturing began. The bases and mounts are made of gilded metal, designed in the refined Art Deco style. Each candle holder stands approximately 17 cm tall with a base of about 11 cm in diameter. Condition: well-preserved antique condition with visible wear and gold paint loss in several areas, typical for age. No corrosion, solid structure. Pieces like this – combining Galalith with gilt metal – are extremely rare and sought after by collectors of Art Deco, early plastics, and European design history. #keywords Galalith early plastic pre-Bakelite casein plastic Art Deco candle holders 1920s rare collectible antique decor early polymer milk plastic historical plastic German material vintage brass decorative arts collectible pair Art Deco design early 20th century antique home decor European Art Deco vintage candleholders.
