Celluloid was first manufactured in 1856. A patent was filed by the American Isaiah brothers in 1870, who marketed it under the name "Celluloid" in 1872.

It is a material composed of cellulose nitrate and camphor. It was used for many objects: knife handles, piano keys, billiard balls (replacing ivory!), ping-pong balls, toys (Peticollin)... Highly flammable, its use declined with the appearance of new plastics.