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Message:: [QUOTE="Shangas, post: 123610, member: 360"]Celluloid rose in prominence in the 1920s, but it was used prior to that point. You have to understand that celluloid and bakelite (although moreso celluloid) were the wonder-materials of the day. They were like carbon-fibre or high-end, fireproof ceramics or something that we make today. But the core of celluloid was that it was invented (initially) to replace ivory, which is why a lot of 'ivory' things were actually made of celluloid - billiard balls, razor-handles, cutlery (like here), and so-on. The discoloration on the handle is either from staining, or from outgassing or sunlight damage. One of celluloid's more noticeable traits is that the colour fades over time (especially if an item is exposed to intense sunlight). Celluloid of a sort, was discovered in the 1850s (it was a byproduct of the photography industry of the day), but it was several decades before it became practical to use it for manufacturing. Progress was made in the 1860s (and moreso in the 70s and 80s), but celluloid as its own product (and not as a substitute for something else) didn't really happen until around/after WWI. Celluloid was used for combs, for pens, for razors, for radios...the list is almost endless. Removing the discoloration on the handle might, or might not be possible. It depends on how it got there. Personally I wouldn't bother about it.[/QUOTE]