From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Sourcing of Bakelite powder and patent rights for manufacturing Bakelite mouldings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 39\3\ Scan052 | |
| Date | 22th April 1921 | |
| X 3573 R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} c. to Cd. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to Her. c. to EPC. c. to Byr. c. to HE Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}13/NJ22.4.21. X 3573 Insulating Material. I confirm mine Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}9/NJ12.4.21. under the heading 'Lucas Electrical Co.Ltd.,Birmingham'. I have now ascertained that the Bakelite powder which the Lucas Elect.Co. use in the production of Bakelite mouldings is imported from America and is purchased by them through the Agency of the Damard Lacquer Co., Birmingham. Hitherto the Lucas Elect.Co. have only been able to mould Bakelite in black and brown colours. They (Lucas Co) state that there are no particular difficulties to overcome, but if we need assistance they will be pleased to afford same wherever possible. We have written the Damard Lacquer Co. for samples and prices and asked them to state whether by adding pigments to the powder, mouldings of various colours can be produced. We have also remarked that we assume that they will supply full instructions regarding the manipulation of the Bakelite powder on receipt of an order. Upon receipt of a reply, I will communicate with you again. In the meantime, it would interest me to learn whether you have had a reply from Rolls-Royce of America Inc. to yours R4/G18.3.21. In said letter you suggested that Oy. should interview the Bakelite Parent Co. in the States and obtain full information as to the possibility of our making mouldings at Derby under license from them. I take it that any patent which the Bakelite Parent Co. possess will refer to the powder and not to the use of the powder and that consequently if we purchase the powder, we, at the same time, purchase the right to employ same for the manufacture of mouldings. I think it probable that I shall be able to obtain this information on this side if Oy. is unable to obtain same in America. Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} | ||