by 10 people |
I love Melmac. Actually the substance that Melmac is made out of is called Melamine but most people are know the Melmac name. Popular in the 1940's and 1960's this durable dinnerware came in many colors and patterns. Pastel Aqua, Pink and Yellow were three of the most popular colors. It was often used in cafeterias because of its durability. Today many people including myself still use and collect Melmac. Here is a guide on how to start your collection.
What is Melamine?
- Melamine resin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Melamine resin or melamine formaldehyde (also, incorrectly, melamine) is a hard, thermosetting plastic material made from melamine and formaldehyde by polymerization. This plastic is often used in kitchen utensils or plates (e.g., Melmac) and is the main constituent in high pressure laminates such as Formica and Arborite and of laminate flooring.
Collectible Plastic Kitchenware and Dinner-Ware
Collectible Plastic Kitchenware and Dinner-Ware, 1935-1965 (Schiffer Book for Collectors With Value Guide)
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 07/06/2009)
List Price: $29.95
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Brand Names for Melmac
- Texas Ware
- Boonton
- Branchell
- Raffia Ware
Melmac Dinnerware
Melmac Dinnerware
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
The Branchell Company
- The Branchell Company
- The Branchell Company was just one of over 350 manufacturers of melamine dinnerware during the golden years of Melmac, 1945 to 1965. Designer Kaye LaMoyne was the sole designer for The Branchell Company. Great colors, designs, and patterns made the Color-Flyte and Royale lines of dinnerware two of t
- The Branchell Company History
- The Branchell Company was formally registered as a corporation in Missouri on May 26, 1952. Beginning at 1610 Hampton Avenue in St. Louis, the offices were then relocated to 6024 Lloyd Avenue, and later to 4417 Oleatha Avenue.
- Care for your Melmac
- Dishes that have chips, cracks, and scratches can be cleaned, but burn marks cannot be removed. The absolute safest way to clean them is just plain warm water. As you can imagine, that doesn't always clean the dishes thoroughly. Dip-It, an older product recommended by manufacturer, is still on the market & can be used to remove stains. If you have a coffee cup with deep stains, this will clean them, to a point. Be careful not to leave the cups in Dip-It too long, as it will take the stain out, but also "cloud" the clear "finish" that is on the dishes. (Note- there really was no "finish" applied to Melmac dinnerware; the sheen on factory-new dishes was a result of the extreme pressure and heat applied during the molding process.)
Melmac Poll
What's your favorite color of Melmac?
Burlap Melmac Raffia Ware Mugs
These mugs were very popular and durable. Great for an outdoor picnic.
Places to buy Melmac
- ebay - ebay has a ton of listing for every kind of Melmac. You can get individual pieces or full sets. Often times at great price.
- Thrift Stores - A great place to find inexpensive Melmac.
- Estate Sales - This is a great place to get Melmac.
- Garage Sales - I always find Melmac at sales.
- Online Stores - Sometimes more pricey bet you can get full sets.
Boonton on ebay
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Branchell on eBay
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Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byRaffia Ware on ebay
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BevsPaper wrote...
Well, I just love this one! Can't get enough of those collectibles!
Posted June 30, 2009
Jimmie wrote...
I've never heard of Melmac; I always heard Melamine.
My mother had (has) a serious hatred for plastic dishes -- that included Melamine. So it was not allowed in our home. I always hated being given a plastic dish as a child, and my daughter is the same way. Once she graduated from sippy cups, we went straight to ceramic/glass. No plastic for me either. Weird how your mom's preferences make such a huge impact on you, huh?
Posted June 19, 2009
Retrobear
Raffiaware by Thermotemp is NOT Melmac... it's not even melamine. It's an early thermoplastic polyethelene
which means is will MELT... not THERMOSETTING like Melamine which will char
Melmac is American Cyanimids brand name for the melamine powder it sold to various manufacturers of Melamine dishes
Posted April 09, 2009
kathieg1
I am looking for 6 vegetable serving bowls with the rooster pattern, since my 7 children have decided that they all want that only remaining bowl from their childhood. Anyone out there remember that pattern and still have any ot it? Probably mid to late 60's.
Posted April 04, 2009
Margo_Arrowsmith wrote...
After my grandmother's stroke Grandpa quit work to take care of her full time. A man who had never so much as taken a coffee cup to the sink suddenly was the full time house keeper. He made noodles from scratch, loved the vacuum that Mom and Dad bought him and was sooooo proud of his Melmac! Every time someone new came over he would take them to the kitchen and throw a plate on the floor, watching their faces as it didn't break. He was so good to Grandma, but would not heed to pleas to stop that practice that startled her so much. Until one day, he must have thrown extra hard, one broke and so did my grandfather's heart and face. Grandma, who loved him dearly, my have been secretly happy!
***** to you!
Posted December 13, 2008
