1930s Red White and Blue Celluloid early plastic Necklace – Long Art Deco Flapper Sautoir with Beaded Balls and Paperclip Links
Description
A joyful and wonderfully unusual long vintage necklace in a bold palette of red, white and navy blue.
Dating from approximately the 1930s to 1940s, this striking sautoir alternates glossy round beads with fabulous striped seed-bead balls and elongated white paperclip links. The different shapes and textures create a wonderfully playful, graphic design with unmistakable interwar character.
The white links and larger round beads appear to be early plastic, most likely celluloid, while the textured feature beads are covered in tiny red, white and blue glass seed beads. Aged brass-tone connecting rings complete the design.
The necklace is exceptionally long and appears to have no fastening, simply slipping over the head. It can be worn as a single dramatic strand, doubled or lightly knotted for different looks.
Key features:
- Original 1930s–1940s necklace
- Extra-long flapper or sautoir design
- Red, white and navy-blue colourway
- Textured striped seed-bead balls
- White elongated paperclip links
- Glossy round early-plastic beads
- Aged brass-tone connecting rings
- No fastening – slips over the head
- Strong patriotic and nautical styling
- Highly unusual interwar costume jewellery
Measurements:
Total continuous length: approximately 26 inches
Drop when worn singly: approximately 13 inches
White links: approximately 30 mm long
Condition:
This necklace is in good wearable vintage condition with age-related wear.
The beads and white links show light surface marks, rubbing and occasional discolouration. Some white links have darkening around their openings and minor irregularities associated with early plastic. The brass-tone rings have developed an aged patina.
The tiny seed beads appear largely intact, although there may be occasional small losses or movement within the hand-worked beaded sections. The necklace remains connected and wearable but should be handled carefully due to its age.
Please examine all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description.
A fantastic piece of wearable social history—bold, characterful and gloriously patriotic without losing its genuine Art Deco charm.
