Katanning Historical Society > Records

Hand Held Mirror

c. 1850 - 1940
Subcollections
Business
Domestic Items or Equipment
Overview

A pale yellow to cream coloured oval shaped hand held mirror.

Historical information

Richardson and Co were large general store in Katanning. Zylonite was a very poular household 1930's, it was a for runner of plastic.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-202-HS1987.38
Item type
Domestic Objects
Ornaments
Material
Cellulose Acetate
Width
10 cm
Height or length
25.5000 cm
Inscriptions and markings

Embossed on the back of the mirror is "RICHARDSON &Co. MERCHANTS KATANNING AND BRANCHES As Milliners & Costumiers We Are First on G.S.R."

Contextual information

It is made of a material called zylonite which is a brand name for a plastic material similar to celluloid. The material was originally developed as a substitute for ivory and used for items like eyewear, combs, dressing table sets and collar studs.

Year
c. 1850 - 1940
Statement of significance

Advertising of local business.

Public location
Links to additional resources
History of Zylonite

A web site which outlines the history of the American Zylonite Company, it has a timeline for the use of the material and images of items that were made from the material.

Last modified
Tuesday, 2 December, 2025
Completeness
94
Copyright category
Date of creation +70 years
Permissions

Please contact the Katanning Historical Society for reproduction of image.

Attribution requirements

Courtesy of Katanning Historical Society.

Katanning Historical Society

Katanning Historical Society

Back of Hand Held Mirror
Back of Hand Held Mirror
Front of Hand Held Mirror
Front of Hand Held Mirror

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