A world-famous icon of the Art Deco period, the “Master Incolor” cocktail shaker was designed by Lawson Clarke for the English company Wilson & Gill and first produced in England in 1935. This striking example features a tapered body in two-tone black and red Bakelite (formaldehyde moulded urea), complemented by a silver-plated shoulder and lid.

The shaker incorporates eight cocktail recipes displayed within a rotating window set into the lid. The top cap is removable and functions as a measuring cup, stamped “1 Gill” to the interior. A secondary cap covers the pouring spout and is removed when serving. The central section unscrews at the shoulder to allow filling with your chosen spirit, and the lower section contains a removable strainer for mixing and pouring. The base is signed “Patents Pending.”

The Master Incolor was first patented in 1934 by Lawson and Raphael Clarke for Wilson & Gill, London, and manufactured by De La Rue from 1935. Available originally in several colours, it was the first cocktail shaker to be designed and moulded in Bakelite, making it a milestone in both design and material innovation. Today it remains one of the most collectible and recognisable pieces of streamlined Art Deco barware.

Bakelite, developed by Leo Baekeland in 1907, was the first fully synthetic plastic, formed from phenol and formaldehyde. Its durability and mouldability made it ideal for progressive designs such as this iconic shaker.

Condition: good vintage condition. Light age-related wear to the Bakelite and minor surface wear to the silver-plated elements consistent with use. Mechanisms operate as intended. Some of the thread on the (red) body of the shaker has broken off but still closes securely as intended. Please refer to photographs.

Dimensions: 28.5cm high, 10cm diameter