Pellissier shape bars were fashionable just before and after WWII until the early 1950s especially on road racing bikes.
As to celluloid coating - that is generally earlier. It became very fashionable in the late 20s - at one London cycle show a bike was displayed which was more or less completely celluliod covered including the frame. And this was not unique - in recent years I have seen a late 20s frame with most of its original celluloid covering. Cranks were occasionally celluloid covered. But it was on handlebars where it was most popular. The ends of the bars were generally not covered by the celluloid - rubber grips were fitted. But the celluloid was not covered by anything else. Celluloid covering though most common in black was also available in white/cream. The fashion continued into the 30s but had disappeared by 1939. A reasonably good simulation of celluloid covering can I am told be made with shrink wrap electrical insulation. The original celluloid I think was dipped on. Celluloid covered bars are not too uncommon - keep looking!
Hilary Stone, Bristol, England
Hugh Thornton wrote:
> I recently came across some Reynolds Pelissier handlebars, which look quite
> old and I am wondering if anyone knows what years they might have been made
> -- I am hoping they would be right for a late 40's lightweight.
>
> The bars do not have any sign of plating on them, so they might have been
> painted or even celluloid covered when new. The current finish is mostly
> rust with traces of what might be paint, but they are still structurally
> sound. I have never actually seen any celluloid covered bars -- was this a
> purely cosmetic coating or was it a substitute for tape and grips? Is the
> fact that I have never seen any due to celluloid not lasting for this many
> decades, or is it more likely that I just haven't been looking?