Please help identify these chips in a Reedcraft travel case (1 Viewer)

[CardRally]

These belonged to my friend’s grandfather. He hoped I could identify them. So here I ask for help. Case says Reedcraft. Any information is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[drdr]

Look like Bakelite chips. Probably best another confirm also. Most ads online talk up the antique angle and prices vary wildly.

 

[upNdown]

I’ve seen sets like this on eBay. They’re very cool, but I don’t believe they’re worth much. Probably partly because the chips are tiny. But who knows?

 

[allforcharity]

Yes, I believe they are some sort of Bakelite or paranoid variant. Not much value except for sentimental, since they have little provenance.

 

[CardRally]

I’ve seen sets like this on eBay. They’re very cool, but I don’t believe they’re worth much. Probably partly because the chips are tiny. But who knows?

The case is definitely cool and well designed. Could be a fun set for a little family game on vacation. Or more likely a good set to place on a shelf and think of Grandpa

 

[cpiaaq]

Bakelite mini chips. Never seen the whole kit together with the cards and case. Cool!

 

[Gus]

Bakelite, paranoid, celluloid, etc... I think it's 1900's-1930's era new plastic materials experimentation. Figuring it out exactly might be impossible given the lack of markings. If I understand correctly this era predated the 'clay' poker chip era and tons of different inventors were bringing new materials to market and trying to find applications. Prior to this the fancier gambling tokens were carved bone, ivory, or mother of pearl, but none of those were mass manufactured in factories like the new plastic materials.

I haven't heard the name Reedcraft before. I'd guess it's like an Eddie Bauer or other department store brand that did private label packaging of chips. Fun to see, great little travel setup!

 

[CardRally]

Bakelite, paranoid, celluloid, etc... I think it's 1900's-1930's era new plastic materials experimentation. Figuring it out exactly might be impossible given the lack of markings. If I understand correctly this era predated the 'clay' poker chip era and tons of different inventors were bringing new materials to market and trying to find applications. Prior to this the fancier gambling tokens were carved bone, ivory, or mother of pearl, but none of those were mass manufactured in factories like the new plastic materials.

I haven't heard the name Reedcraft before. I'd guess it's like an Eddie Bauer or other department store brand that did private label packaging of chips. Fun to see, great little travel setup!

Thanks for the information. I know you have been really digging in on all this stuff. I have seen those terms (probably often used incorrectly) while looking through eBay listings but never really knew what was what.

From what I could find Reedcraft made leather purses, wallets etc. I didn’t come across any other chip sets and that’s where I got stuck. So it sounds like they would have paired with one of any number of manufacturers that made this type of chip.

 

[upNdown]

Thanks for the information. I know you have been really digging in on all this stuff. I have seen those terms (probably often used incorrectly) while looking through eBay listings but never really knew what was what.

From what I could find Reedcraft made leather purses, wallets etc. I didn’t come across any other chip sets and that’s where I got stuck. So it sounds like they would have paired with one of any number of manufacturers that made this type of chip.

That’s some neat history too. It’s not the first time I’ve been more interested in the case than its contents.
And those decks are awesome! An ancient souvenir deck from San Francisco and a spirit of 76? The whole setup is worth so much more than it’s worth.

 

[CardRally]

That’s some neat history too. It’s not the first time I’ve been more interested in the case than its contents.
And those decks are awesome! An ancient souvenir deck from San Francisco and a spirit of 76? The whole setup is worth so much more than it’s worth.

I’m sure every element had a story behind it too. A cool piece of family history for sure. Worth putting in play just for the connection to the past

 

[GamingOre]

I believe that the chips are early clay composition chips, and not Bakelite. However, there is a test for Bakelite, and if these are clay composition, then the Bakelite test will fail. This type of chip has been in existence since the late 1800s, but are more likely from between 1908 and 1940 and were made by the United States Playing Card Company. They are nearly indestructible, but will break under intense pressure. Originally sold in sporting goods stores, pharmacies, five and dime stores, barber shops, and mail order. Red, white, and blue were the common colors, with yellow, dark green (almost black), and black being available by special order, which is why one does not often see colors other than red, white, and blue. The case is cool, but the chips are very common.

 

[CardRally]

I believe that the chips are early clay composition chips, and not Bakelite. However, there is a test for Bakelite, and if these are clay composition, then the Bakelite test will fail. This type of chip has been in existence since the late 1800s, but are more likely from between 1908 and 1940 and were made by the United States Playing Card Company. They are nearly indestructible, but will break under intense pressure. Originally sold in sporting goods stores, pharmacies, five and dime stores, barber shops, and mail order. Red, white, and blue were the common colors, with yellow, dark green (almost black), and black being available by special order, which is why one does not often see colors other than red, white, and blue. The case is cool, but the chips are very common.

Thank you for contributing so much information! I am curious what the bakelite test is, not that it would be at all necessary in this case.
Also, are bakelite chips plastic? I see a lot of them with swirl patterns that remind me of epoxy rezin

 

[GamingOre]

Visit here... Several options.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bak...BDWF3W8QUX_xigQ1hd1g&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8