Closeup of a catallin radio.
Ok, so what is catalin? Catalin is a type of plastic that was used extensively in the 1920's through the early 1940's for everything from jewelry to poker chips. Catalin radios may be the most beautiful (and expensive) radios ever produced. Catalin radio production dropped dramatically during World War II in favor of cheaper (and less impressive) plastic. Catalin radios never really made a comeback. It has had an extremely good sell-through rate on eBay for a long time. If you find a piece, it will likely sell - sometimes for surprisingly high prices. Here are a few current examples:
Catalin Radios for Sale
 Emerson 564 Midget Catalin Vintage Tube Radio - So Retro, Awesome Condition! $2,195.00 Time Remaining: 4h 13m Buy It Now for only: $2,195.00 Add to watch list |
 Fada Bullet Model 1000 Radio (1945) Catalin Beauty $800.00 Time Remaining: 4h 13m Buy It Now for only: $800.00 Add to watch list |
 Rare Blue Fada F55 Catalin Radio - Restored $3,950.00 Time Remaining: 10h 59m Buy It Now for only: $3,950.00 Add to watch list |
Is this a genuine Catalin radio? Try a Catalin Test
Before buying a catalin radio, do your homework. Many sellers sincerely believe they have a rare catalin radio. They may list their item on eBay with a question mark because they're not sure. A genuine catalin radio often has many bids, simply because the hardcore collectors know how to spot them. If you're interested in buying a piece, it's a good idea to train yourself to identify the real McCoy.
Catalin and Marblette are trade-names for slight variations on the original Bakelite chemical formula. During manufacturing, Catalin started out as a clear resin. Then dyes were added to give it various colors. Even with these colors added, light will still pass through Catalin. Use a pretty good light and see if it passes through. If it does, you are certainly on the right track. Light will pass thru Catalin. Even Black Catalin will offer a little translucence. It may appear a little green. Another test used by some is a heat test. Plaskon, Bakelite, Beetle, and Catalin won't melt. Although they may produce an odor when heated, but the smell test alone, and the heat test in general are not conclusive tests for Catalin.
Although some Catalin radios and other items may have been made very thick they may also be thin. Catalin is a poured or cast plastic which allows it to be made thick but in the case of Emerson Patriot radios of the early 40's Monsanto Plastic was the supplier of these Catalin cases and they have walls that are a little thinner than those made by Catalin Corp.
Catalin may be found with dramatic swirling, but also in solid colors. It's really important to know how to identify it, since it's often very valuable. eBay is a great place to study these items.
An important fact regarding many Catalin items is the level of discoloration that takes place. As Catalin ages, and is exposed to the environment and light it will change color, often darkening.
Produced in dozens of colors--solid and marbled--many have changed over time:
- white turned to cream corn
- turquoise turned to green
- pink turned to orange
- violet turned to brown
- blue turned to green
Professionals exist who can remove the discoloration, but many just like to enjoy them as they are.
Generally Catalin can be found in a wide variety of colors and color combinations. Although radios bring the highest prices on eBay, there are lots of other items you can find. You can find catalin items at garage sales, thrift stores, and especially at good estate sales at very reasonable prices since many people don't know what they have. An eBayer's dream come true.
Take a look below at some of the other catalin items available on eBay right now...
 Vtg Bakelite Catalin Dangling Cherry Overdyed Log Brooch Pin Tested Book Piece $359.99 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $359.99 Add to watch list |
 20pc Butterscotch Catalin Bakelite Silverware Utensils Forks Knives Art Deco $39.95 Time Remaining: 1h 21m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 Add to watch list |
 4 T Y L Games Catalin Mah Jong Jongg Tiles ~green Dragon Tiles $22.99 Time Remaining: 1h 31m Add to watch list |
 Vintage Art Deco Black Bakelite Catalin Cigarette Box $19.99 Time Remaining: 1h 45m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Add to watch list |
 Antique Art Deco Bakelite Catalin Poker 200 Chip Set Caddy Rack Retro Holder Nor $319.99 Time Remaining: 2h 10m Add to watch list |
 Postcard Glass Bottom Power Boat Cleopatra Catalin $3.00 Time Remaining: 2h 52m Add to watch list |
 Set Of 4 Vintage Bakelite ? Catalin ? Plastic ? Lovely Bracelets Art Deco Modern $68.00 Time Remaining: 4h 25m Add to watch list |
 Vintage Rare Gold Lava Catalin Bakelite Pen Holder/mint $140.00 Time Remaining: 5h 54m Buy It Now for only: $140.00 Add to watch list |
 Vintage Rare Large Gold Lava Catalin Bakelite Pen Holder"sofia'/mint $160.00 Time Remaining: 5h 58m Buy It Now for only: $160.00 Add to watch list |
