]> morgan_casein John Morgan Collection of Casein Artifacts An inventory of his collection at Syracuse University RMH &su_name; &su_address; 02 Dec 2021 Rachael Hickman 02 Dec 2021 English Overview of the Collection &su_name; &su_address; Morgan, John. John Morgan Collection of Casein Artifacts circa 1900-1945 2.25 linear ft. Collection of casein plastic artifacts morgan_casein English Biographical History

Casein plastics, also known as milk plastics, are plastics prepared from casein, a natural phosphorus-containing protein found in milk. Adolph Spitteler and associate W. Krische of Germany invented casein plastics in 1897 when they treated casein with formaldehyde. Casein plastics held onto dyes easily and thus were colorful. They were commonly utilized in making buttons, necklaces, buckles, fountain pens, and knitting needles. Casein plastic items were popular in the early twentieth century, and were sought after based on their fashionable appearance. The process of making casein plastics is slow, and with the introduction of newer plastics post-World War II, the production of the material slowed considerably after 1945. Today, limited quantities of casein plastics are produced in countries with heavy dairy interests. John Morgan, a plastics historian and researcher, collected casein plastics that were popular in the early 20th century.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The John Morgan Collection of Casein Artifacts contain a variety of casein objects, including knitting needles, buttons, a fountain pen, a comb, and toys like dominos and a whistle. While exact dates are unknown, objects were most likely made in the early-to-mid 20th century; the manufacturing of casein plastics slowed considerably post-World War II.

Arrangement of the Collection

Items are arranged alphabetically by object.

Subject and Genre Headings Morgan, John. Plastics Plastics industry and trade. Plastic jewelry. Artifacts (object genre) Casein plastic. Access Restrictions

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advance notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

John Morgan Collection of Casein Plastics, &su_name;

Acquisition Information

Gift of Helen Morgan, 2021.

Inventory Artifacts Bracelet 1 morgan_casein_001 orange bangle-like bracelet with a floral design at the tips of each end Brooch 1 morgan_casein_002 art nouveau orange and black clip-on brooch with gold clasp Brooch 1 morgan_casein_003 dark blue elephant brooch Buckle and clip 1 2 items morgan_casein_004 black floral designed belt buckle and clip Buttons 2 17 items morgan_casein_005 various buttons: molded, machined, embossed, pop-eye Clock 2 morgan_casein_006 small table-top clock with orange and black mottled frame around clock face Comb 2 morgan_casein_007 small red-orange straight hair comb Crochet hooks 2 2 items morgan_casein_008 two green crochet hooks, one large and one small Dominos 1927 2 morgan_casein_009 black and white playing dominos housed within a wooden case, handwritten text under case cover reads, "A present from Mr. R. Eyre to Blossom, 1927" Earrings 1 morgan_casein_010 pale blue clip-on earrings with gold clip Knitting needles 2 2 items morgan_casein_011 green knitting needles Napkin ring 1 morgan_casein_012 pale blue napkin ring with a design of a belt buckle Necklace 1 morgan_casein_013 green flower designed spheres and small blue pearls with gold clasp Pencil, pen, pen nib 2 3 items morgan_casein_014 yellow mechanical pencil, multicolored pen, and metal pen nib Whistle 1 morgan_casein_015 blue and black child's whistle Unknown fashion accessory 1 morgan_casein_016 orange circle