Apl. 20.２０２３
Celluloid Accessories Survey Report (No.1)
Yuo Umei, Isao Sato
１． Overview
The Celluloid House Yokohama (herein after referred to as CHY) haｓ a large collectionof accessories such as brooches, earrings and bangles. As the collection were stored fora long periods, they were heavily contaminated. Some of the paper mounts had been
deteriorated and a risk of dissipation was found.
Repairing, cleaning and first step of surveys for the collection started.
The outline of these work is reported in this paper .
Fig. 1 A scene of the exhibition（before cleaning）

２． Methodology

３． Progress at this stage(1) Around 1,000 pieces (30 mounts) finished.
(2) Each piece is given a number and taken photo. These are listed as shown in Table 1(Excel form)

Table 1 List Example

4. Results found from the survey(1)Paper mount

Most of them are semi-finishedproducts that are in the form ofsample books attached to mounts.
Some mounts were printed trade
mark “Venus”( Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Example of the trademark
on the mount(2) Product typeThe following are included:①Brooches②Parts③Bracelets④Earrings⑤Hair band (headband)⑥Rings⑦Others(unknown use)(3) Estimation of manufacturing process
It can be inferred that each product was made by a different process for each productas shown in Fig.3

Fig.3 Estimated Process Flow Shame

Coloured
Celluloid*1. Molding method: Most of the products are compression molded. Most back face are flat and a few areconcavity（see Fig.4）.
Latter was molded by cavity / core type mold(Fig. 4(2)).
Fig. 4 Cross-section of mold.

(1) For flat Back(2) for concavity backIn addition, there ware also molds what seemed to be hollow molding.

*2. Product diversity: is achieved through (1) post-processing (Fig. 5) and (2) combination of parts (Fig. 6).
Fig. 5 Example of truncated conical hollow ornament

Fun shaped parts→Painting→Curl Up

Doughnut shaped parts→Painting
Assemble

ProductFig. 6 Examples of diversification by various methods

Moldedpiece

Paintingwith colour

Colour bead
Metalized

(4) Estimation of the manufacturing and commercially distributed period
There were only a few that could be guessed during the period these were produced
and distributed.
① Pressed "OCCUPIEDJAPAN" on the fitting (Fig. 7)……… estimated as made in 1949~1952② Pressed "JAPAN" on the fitting (Fig. 8)

Fig. 7 Pressed "OCCUPIEDJAPAN"③ Printed date on mount(Fig.9)

・Mount 59: 16000-1957
・MOUNT 60: 16000 SERIES FOR 1957
SHIPPING SAMPLES”PIONEER MILL”
OCT 1 1956 KOBE on the fitting

Fig. 8 “JAPAN” printing on metal fittings(5) Verification with molding molds

Fig. 9 Date on mountFig. 10 Examples of compatible molds

In CHY many accessories ｍolds are
kept in collection.
Among these collection molds around 200
Accessories were paired with identical mold.
Expanding joint research or survey programs“Pairing database” was completed (See Table 2).
Table 2 Format of pairing database
ProductPairingNo.

Mount No.

M1

1M2

1

Piece No.

Photo

MoldDimension
28φX9.5

Note

Dimension

Note

110

３９X78.9X13.3

２cavities

1463

48.9X51.4X13.2

Mold No.

Photo(6) Metal fittings
Various kinds of metal fittings are used in accordance with the application（Table３）.
Table 3 Type of fitting
BroochEarrings

Others

WireClip type

Bolt

Screw type

Tape strap（no picture）

PressedWith stopper(7) OthersThere is one example with a price tag (Fig.1 １) and a picture on the mount (Fig. 1 ２)that usage can be estimated.
Figure 1１ Example with a price tag

Figure 1２ Picture where usage can be guessed5. Summary(1) To understand the scope and contents of CHY collection.
(2) To able to establish know-how on cleaning and restoration method and procedure.
(3) Public introduction of these collection and renewal of the exhibition.
(4) To establish and complete a new and original database and a storage method.
6. Plan for the future program（１）

Continuing effort to establish cleaning and restoration of the mold and accessories
completion of new and original CHY integrated data base system.

（２）

Research and collaboration study program on the manufacturing method and pastcommercial and trading business situation from the standpoint of technological andindustrial history.

CHY is hoping to collaborate with party
having an interest on our research program.
CHY awaits you enquires and inputs