Melmac or Melamine Dinnerware Identification Services : Mr. Melmac

What a great idea! This retired professor Robin Thorne, is identify tons of melmac at only $2 a pop. 

A lot of people with plastic dishes may think they are worthless. Chances are they may jump on ebay and see their plastic dish set selling for $9.99, when in actuality it may be a rare pattern if listed correctly and could bring them much more. 

A mere $2 doesn't buy you much these days but it may buy you the difference between "a plastic dish with fish on it" and a rare Watertown Gulfstream pattern which if listed correctly can bring you top dollar with collectors. 

Wait, is that a rare Meladur pink divided bowl?  Dishes by VntageJewelryNmore

So why is Thorne only asking a few bucks? Just like most retirees he's trying to supplement his income and enjoys talking plastic.  He is working on a book with all different lines of melmac and knows this stuff like the back of his hand. If you ask me, he's a walking encyclopedia.

Although some collectors of melmac may be upset that this may drive the prices higher, I for one would be happy just to find pieces to finish some of my lines.  When they are incorrectly labeled it makes it impossible to find those fill in pieces!

I get a lot of mail from people asking me to identify their stash, but if it isn't Russel Wright I don't know what it is half the time.  So from now on, I will refer to to Mr. Melmac.  You may contact him though the blog page I set up for him, or directly at qazsunny@yahoo.com

"Thumbs up" to Mr. Melmac for doing such a thing.

Allied Chemical Melamine : Melmac Gone But Not Forgotten With a Few Pretty Surprises

Allied and Avocado Green are like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Dishes from ricracandbuttons

Some of the most hideous Melmac came from Allied Chemical, (Allied Chemical Corporation) and I can't say I'm a fan. Most of my finds led me to believe a lot of their production was done in the sixties. You will often see ugly browns, avocado greens, golds paired with something that would have been in Mom's kitchen.  Yuck.  Most are thin and cheaply made dishes versus the thicker, heavier, quality weight dinnerware and bright funky colors of the fab 1950's.

Backstamp photographed by Corr Nucopia

What also bothered me is their "two-timing and double-dipping."  Allied was one of the big manufacturers of "melamine crystals" (competing with American Cyanamid).  This makes me wonder, why even worry about putting out crappily made dish sets if you are doing just fine selling the powder?  Why sell crystals and be a molder?  I don't know,  I'll leave that to the experts to figure out.  I was however shocked to find out that Georges Briard was a designer there for many years. I wonder if he designed it all, or just the cool ones?

Once in awhile, Allied will really surprise me, offering prettier finds than I'd expect to find. Here are a few:

Pretty two tone pitcher and cups with dainty handle styling say art deco meets classy by Allied Chemical as offered by JetSetVintage.

These pretty plates offered by VintageGoodies say that designer was Georges Briard. I love this pattern and have never seen it before yet is certainly to be commended for beauty!  Note, I did confirrn Briard was a partner with Phillip Stetson in new Jersey, and designed for both Stetson and Allied Chemical.  Source: here 

Then for once we have "limey" green at RetroChalet versus the regular avocado. Perhaps a "touch" of hipness thanks to Briard.

I am a fan of the sugar bowl design. The handle is dainty.  This set is only $5.99 at OMan77. What a deal.

I guess I can develop some love for a 'touch of the avocado" as these mottled spatterware plates are kind of growing on me.  These offered by cushionchicago

Corr Nucopia's fifties blue creamer and sugar set, nice styling on these.

Can't Believe It's Plastic Fantastic : Good Modern Design and More Etsy Finds by Reto Chalet

I can't believe these things are plastic! Some of these made me do a double take, or maybe I just need glasses.  Perhaps it's the fact I'm used to assuming something is made out of a certain material, so when I find it in plastic, I just think, "How fantastic!"  Enjoy!

Green Plastic Flower Frog by RollingHillsVintage on Etsy ($7.50 what a bargain!)

From TheDancingWren comes a set of pretty red ribbed candle holders, so modern in design!

 At first glance these little deer looked ceramic and chippy, I thought made in Japan, but nope, plastic from mightyfinds!

Plastic that looks like depression glass?  "Glastic" bowl by Vintage Hillbilly $3.33, cracked.

This cute purse looks like fabric w/lace from nickandnessies is "encased in plastic" 
which is so cool, like my late great-grandmother who covered every living thing in her 
home with plastic covering! (Bless her soul)

I thought this Oriental carving was jade or rock, but no, it's RESIN plastic fantastic by penorus

 This "Olympic style torch" wall Sconce made me look twice, but yep, it's Syroco Plastic by Planet Trout

 
Sometimes you think you see refrigerator ware in heavy ceramic, but NOPE, this baby's plastic by DimeStoreVintage.

I thoguht this was one of those shabby metal letters, but it's plastic fantasic.  R is for Rocking Horse...by BlueBellBazaar

Just when I thought it was a ceramic figurine, (those kind you used to get "glued" to cardboard and you could build a collection.....I find it's plastic. World's Smallest Beagle 
under an inch long at RetroChalet!

Just when you think it's another vintage metal typewriter think again..... and check this 
Red Olivetti Dora Typewriter by nerdnest!

Powder blue bangle circa 40's looks like glass or carving, but instead it's plastic from VintagePoint