6 Ways to Identify Bakelite Tapping Items Together. Also, Simichrome is great for polishing Bakelite. If you have a question, please email me at brittanyvavoomvintage@gmail.com. Another Etsy seller put me on to these bakelite testing pads. In other words, to get a dog pin, you'd pour plastic into a dog-shaped mold. It doesnt have handles but I just use it for storing jewelry or sewing supplies. I have always been a little confused about bakelite. Enjoy the hunt! Im sorry, I don't know anything about how to make bakelite, Best gal win? Good luck!! Ivory and clear laminated French Bakelite. Use one or several of the other tests to confirm your item as Bakelite. Oh and the purse was an antique mall find for $10. Just don’t use it on pieces with a colored stain applied to them (mostly transparent pieces). Put a small amount on a Q-tip and rub it on the bracelet or whatever piece of suspected Bakelite you want to test. It's amazing. I have a number of pieces that could be Bakelite but haven’t gotten around to learning how to test them. How to you test if something is bakelite jewelry or buttons? Once you get familiar with the smell…you’ll spot it easier in the field. Thrifting, Reselling, Saving Money. I show the hot water method & simichrome method. I really try to do this unobtrusively…for obvious reasons -what would you think about somebody who’s sniffing the jewelry?? The hot pin test is also a possibly damaging test in which a pin is heated till red and pressed into the plastic. One way to identify a bakelite button is to run hot water over it and then smell it. Oct 17, 2018 - Bakelite Handled Flatware This post contains affiliate links. If it is Lucite, it will have no discernable scent. Bakelite is the first synthetic plastic and is known as a “material of thousand uses” due to its versatile applications. Now look at your cotton swab tip. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Check out this website featuring random-dot like bangles, and be sure to read the cryptic description. Then smell it. I don't think so, but I've seen clear purses being called bakelite on the internet.You can see my lucite shoes here:http://samati.dk/fotos/sko_uk.htmAnd lucite purses here, if you like:http://samati.dk/fotos/tasker_uk.htmI think I'll make Pinterest boards for these pages too.And your clear purse - tell us more about it? If it is Bakelite, it shouldn't melt but it's not worth attempting. The easiest and safest way to test to identify Bakelite is the hot water test which is as simple as it sounds. Run the piece under hot tap water. 1960s big daisy Hippie pierced earrings. thanks a million for sharing your knowledge! First of all, Bakelite pieces are a bit heavier than normal plastic items of the same size. How to identify Bakelite Although the best way is to smell them, we will also focus on some overall characteristics. My bangles range from $1-$40. They also clunk a certain way when you tap them together. AK-74: note different gas block, handguard, a flash hider and stock. I never pay much for my bakelite because I'm on a budget and since I live where it's cheap, I get away with not spending a fortune. This is a great and very informative post - I'll link it on my blog tomorrow! Bakelite Tests. The $40 one was an online purchase because it was carved and a unique orange color. Thanks, Shannon. Bakelite can change color, with whites usually turning more cream colored for example. Bakelite can also be tested using the “hot water” method. In practice, the phenol and formaldehyde are first polymerized to a small extent by using the proper choice of catalyst and temperature. Continue to hold the piece of jewelry in the hot water for 30 seconds. Rinse the cleaner off the tested spot right away. Scrubbing bubbles was once used to test Bakelite but it has been found to strip the surface of the plastic. Thanks for this post. However there are a few fairly simple ways of determining whether your chunky bangle bracelet, button collection or vintage flatware is made up of this gorgeous early plastic. Oh you're too lovable! Perhaps, you would like to visit my etsy shop? Any buttons made of wood or metal are not Bakelite. and all your hints are precious - can't wait to test my own plastics now! https://www.etsy.com/listing/107719815/bakelite-testing-pads-to-test-jewelry. In 1907 Bakelite was invented, but it took until 1912 for the product to be used to mold more complex pieces. It is lighter than catalin. Your email address will not be published. Identifying and Cleaning Bakelite Buttons. 5 out of 5 stars (71) 71 reviews $ 57.56. Perfect!!! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. :P. Im curious if you could maybe give estimates on what to pay for Bakelite?I was at a flea market and saw bangles priced at $35. Key Difference – Bakelite vs Plastic Plastic and Bakelite are both organic polymers, having a very large molecular weight though there exists a difference between the two based on their properties and usage. I’ve even some dealers have used baking soda with similar results. Other vintage plastics have a distinct odor: Bakelite will smell highly acidic. Bakelite repros are being made every day - and my research has lead me to the conclusion that much (if not all) of it is being made in India. I read every single comment (even on old posts) and they make my day! I live in NYC, where everything is overpriced. Your email address will not be published. I hope "F Bakelite" means "Fake". Once you have a few confirmed-by-Simichrome pieces you can examine them and the identifying will get a lot easier. I will have to give it another try though, cause you have such a lovely collection!Thanks again for all the wonderful info! If it smells like camphor or vinegar, it is celluloid. Now, off to check all my "plastics". They can resemble Bakelite, but Bakelite items of the same size are heavier. If it’s genuine, the Q-tip will show a yellow, brown or orange tint. I wouldn't pay that much for a super skinny spacer unless maybe it was heavily carved or blue (my favorite color). Rub the piece with your thumb until it becomes warm and give it a sniff. But Most of All….On the Hunt for Vintage! Plus most buyers are familiar with Simichrome and you can mention it to add legitimacy to your listing. If you feel a line running around the center of a bangle, it is not Bakelite. Today I want to talk about how to identify and collect Lucite. There are some bangles on etsy claiming to be Prystal but I haven't been brave enough to buy one yet :P I found more information on prystal bakelite here: http://www.angelfire.com/ca3/gale/ some bakelite collectors consider the root beer (swirled amber and brown) to be prystal too. One of the easiest and best ways to identify Bakelite jewelry is to tap two pieces together. Bakelite is a fun and highly collectible material. If the piece is vintage Bakelite, the accumulated patina will show up as a yellow stain on the cotton swab. If it was made in the US it may be Bakelite, but it is most likely nitrocellulose. :). If it smells chemical-like, like formaldehyde, most likely it’s Bakelite. :-). It can be opaque, translucent, or transparent. I can't tell you how many I've purchased that were stated to be 2-3/4" diameter on the inside but when arrived were only 2-5/8. Bakelite wasn't widely used to make mah-jongg sets in the 1920s, when mah-jongg was a … They are probably lucite and the seller doesn't know much about them but you never know, there may be some bakelite purses out there! I have found so MANY buttons with melted ‘holes’ on the back of them. You’re out on the vintage hunt and come across a…bangle bracelet, let’s say. It's marked "Theresa Bag Co Lyndhurst N.J." on the bottom. The later development of other plastics makes it sometimes hard to tell at first glance if an object is made from Bakelite or not. I will now link your site to this other site where other people are wondering the same thing. It should have the same characteristics of the above bakelite, but should be completely translucent. Spoils of The Hunt- This One’s a Quick One. The AK-74 originally had AK-style front sight but it was changed during production to AKM-style one. $35 for a bangle isn't a bad price, as long as it has some thickness to it. They call it "prystal". Antique buttons can be made out of just about anything, from antlers and bone to glass and ceramics to metals and stone. Plastic will show no color. Currently the definitive method of testing Bakelite is to put some Formula 409 on the end of a Q-tip and apply a small amount on an inconspicuous portion of the bead in question. Take a quick look at it and notice if there are any seams in the plastic. If you have a stash of buttons, sift through them to find potential Bakelite buttons then try a few tests to identify true Bakelite buttons. What about us guys who love Bakelite items that aren't jewelry. Most, but not all, Bakelite will … I read on many sites about the clunking sound and also some say clanking. If the item is black Bakelite or lacquered, this test will be negative. could help. Celluloid and lucite are two other plastics used to make jewelry. Collectors sometimes use the hot water method to test for authentic Bakelite (dip in hot water, rub and test for the smell of formaldehyde) or the 409 method (just a touch of Formula 409 cleaner or Simichrome brand polish on a cotton swab on a hidden area and the swab should turn yellow; rinse the item immediately). I need the 2-3/4" size (the largest made?) Hello I loved all of the fine info on this site,,but I have a dilemma I purchased 5 pieces of what the dealer assured me were LARGE BLACK FUR COAT BUTTONS..PURE BAKELITE I am not at all in any way an expert on this b ut I tried the 409 seems like I cannot get any results being THAT THESE ARE BLACK ARE REALLY CLUNKY LIKE YOU ADVISED..i want so much to believe that i did not get cheated on the purchase....these are old ..guessing form the tattered paper about 30 ish maybe 40's they are wonderful items SUPOER LARGE LAYERED BLACK BUTTONS..the person he acquired from had a $60 each tag on them so that kinda gives me hope... anyway I will try to get these to a reputable dealer for my assurance Kindest regards I did however manage to find several other Bakelite pieces buttons etc SOME VERY RARE CHECKERBOARD ONES ..that should at least get me some money ..Linda in fairport. . While it’s true that Bakelite won’t melt…you could still leave a burn mark. Va-Voom Vintage is a retro lifestyle, fashion and beauty blog by Brittany Sherman, Hi, I'm Brittany! :-) Great article, it is very informative; and happy hunting...ahemmm ladies. If the piece passes these two tests, and the price is right, bring the piece home for further testing. I have definitely heard that but haven’t tried it myself. The first quick thing to look for: Bakelite will never have mold or form markings on it. You're very welcome! The 5.45x39 magazines are made of bakelite or (currently) black plastic. love your pictures. Most Bakelite tiles are a yellow-orange in color (some would say "butterscotch"), but other colors are known, especially in two-tone tiles. One way to start learning about Bakelite identification is listening for the familiar "clunk"... Identifying by Weight. Some of the poker chips, betting chips in other forms, dominoes, Mah Jong tiles, and tons of other game pieces and utilitarian ware out there is absolutely incredible and it is all beautiful; not to mention most of the gaming pieces and accessories are extremely valuable. The chemicals should be rinsed off right away. Remove the piece of jewelry from the water and smell it. It should have the smell of formaldehyde. What an elaborate and very professional post, thank you so much for making it. Very helpful indeed! I’m listing a set of steak knives that someone else has listed as Bakelite but I would not call them that without knowing for sure. Garage Rummage Tag Yard Estate Moving Sale Lover Large Tote Bag. TIP: If you don’t have any Simichrome polish yet (I do recommend picking some up) then I’ve heard the plain Formula 409 works in the same way. I"m in the midwest US so bakelite is pretty affordable here but in the UK, I hear that a single bangle can be hundreds of dollars and up. So that’s it! The first thing to understand about testing is this: There is no test that works 100% of the time on 100% of Bakelite. Wow, this is so informative. Quick elimination test. I think you wrote a similar post awhile back, but when I try rubbing the bangles the store clerks (Goodwill) look at me weird, so I have been too embarrassed since. :) From what I've read, clear bakelite does exist. :) x. <3, I love your jewelry, especially the 2-tone hoop earrings! Take the piece of jewelry believed to be Lucite, and dip it into hot, but not boiling, water. And cheaper. Identifying antique plastic: Lucite has a slick feel and is fairly light in weight. I wasn't sure if that was too much. They must think I'm crazy but I do it anyway :P. I've given up buying bakelite bangles online. Always test the piece on the inside of the bangle, back of an earring or any inconspicuous area. Try to rub the bracelet with your thumb until an area warms up. Now look at your cotton swab tip. They're much more reliable than my nose! Thanks for the help B!!!! So sad. Sometimes the piece needs cleaning before you can test. Thank you for reading me! There are, however, a couple of tests that, coupled with a decent working acquaintance with the product, will help you determine whether a piece is legitimate: Bakelite jewelry will generally make a deep clunking sound when tapped together, unlike any other jewelry. Black jewelry most likely made of one of the following: plastic, glass, stone, jet, gutta-percha, crepe stone, bog oak, and bakelite. https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintageandvanity. And your non-Bakelite pieces will now have a hole in them! If you put it under hot water, rub it vigorously or poke a hot pin into it it will have no smell. The only prystal bakelite that I have come across as been the yellow "apple juice". Identifying bakelite can be easy if you know what to look for. Thanks!! As for the purses, I'd be cautious about them. How to Identify Antique Vintage Buttons. baking soda and water works just as well as metal polish. Consider the weight of a piece of plastic jewelry. It’s a metal polish so BONUS!! When I spot a bakelite color, I always run over and start rubbing and smelling the plastics at the counter. If the pink polish has turned yellow, the bracelet is Bakelite. There are ways to test each one of these materials to determine what it is. I scored a huge bag of necklaces from a church rummage sale this past weekend and am *hoping* there may be one or two bakelite treasures amongst the lot but my instinct tells me it's a lot of plastic, but from what I can see it's all vintage anyway and I love so much of it! Bakelite is quite heavy and you will soon get a sense of how it feels. Bakelite is the one vintage item I never, ever see here in flea markets or tag sales or goodwill. Drives me crazy. The later development of other plastics makes it sometimes hard to tell at first glance if an object is made from Bakelite or not. Thanks so much for this fun & helpful posting :). It’s nonconductive and heat-resistant, making it ideal for use in electrical insulators and … Now, you may have heard of the hot needle test for testing Bakelite. At home you can run the piece under hot water (maybe not a Bakelite radio, lol) and release the ‘formaldehyde’ smell easier. In the first half of the 20th century, Bakelite was used widely for game pieces, billiard balls, phones, jewelry, buttons and more. You can identify from the sound whether the piece you are buying is original or not. Please! I have never needed to use chemicals to test my Bakelite but if you want to give it a try, here's how! DecoJewelsandMore. Do you have any information about this? But because i've lost some screw-back earrings and pins, i started to produce 40s lookin' jewelry on my own. Bakelite is easy to identify because it has a slick-looking patina to the inner part of the bangle or on the back part of a brooch or piece. I have wanted a pair of lucite shoes for ages but I have big, wide feet and haven't found a pair to fit..yet! valuable plastic jewelry. Maybe you could share whats too much for bangles, earrings, brooches, etc.Thank you! If the pink polish has turned yellow, the bracelet is Bakelite. Next step. If there are, its not Bakelite. 2 Rub the inside of the item being tested, if the swab turns yellow, the item is Bakelite. :-) (Of course the jewelry is pretty cool. I am looking for an 'audio bite' of what that sounds like ~ so far nowhere to be found! :)I don't have any bakelite, I'm a fan of clear lucite - shoes and purses from the fifties. I'd like to try to replace the handles some day but haven't found the right ones yet. and NO ONE on ebay or etsy knows how to correctly read a measuring device apparently. I carry them in my purse for field testing. I don't know much about lucite bags except that they're pretty! For the love of all that’s vintage, please don’t do this! My go-to testing agent for identifying Bakelite is a material called Simichrome polish. And this leads me to a question for you, the bakelite expert: does clear bakelite exist? It's like everyone thinks the first notch after the "1/2" mark is 3/4! I’ve heard you can buy it at hardware stores, etc but I usually just buy it online. Although sellers want us to think that Bakelite is so rare and amazing, it really isn't rare at all. Sometimes the yellow result is very dark and other times it’s not. Bakelite or polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride was the first plastic made from synthetic components. Welcome to Va-Voom Vintage, Pins for Pin-Ups: DIY Brooches for Retro Girls, Free Pattern: 1940s Yoked Slip-On Sweater, Va-Voom Vintage | Vintage Fashion, Hair Tutorials and DIY Style, Bakelite bracelets, a hair brush, buckles and carved button, two-sided Bakelite earrings, which do have seams. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Bakelite is a condensation polymer of formaldehyde and phenol. It’s always nice to test them because then you can say….’tested’ in the listing too. Modern hard plastics which are often confused with Bakelite, were generally produced by injecting or pouring a liquid resin into a mold which produced the final product. Thank you for your time and help. Put a small amount on a Q-tip and rub it on the bracelet or whatever piece of suspected Bakelite you want to test. I prefer to use the polish because it’s a small tube I can just keep by my desk. Bakelite is the trade name for the plastic product produced by the Bakelite Corporation, but materials made using the same formula were eventually sold under other trade names in the US and around the world. ~ , I have some spacers( pass smell test-cant get simichrome in Canada) that I hear a clunking with but would really like to have an idea of real bakelite sound when I'm out and about.. Would you consider doing an audio bite? From shop DecoJewelsandMore. While it is possible that it would be made with ivory, the chances are pretty slim. The Smell Test. Simichrome polish is pink. If it gives off a formaldehyde smell, it is Bakelite. What a great post, thank you! I use it to polish my flatware as well. The buttons were popular in the 1930s and worn more for decoration than function. Dampen a tip of a cotton swab with Formula 409, a household cleaner. At a flea market, estate sale, garage sale and some antique malls, I expect bakelite to be more affordable than a trade show, high end antique shop and vintage store. Carved pieces and popular colors like apple juice, red, green and blue are usually higher than butterscotch and odd marbled colors. Identifying what the black material is can make a big difference in determining when it was made and how much it could be worth. Bakelite Test by Feel and Sound. It is fun and interesting to try and has really helped me to identify Bakelite. Thank-you for this very informative guide. I buy it for gifts all the time.) Bakelite (pronounced with three syllables, by the way: the middle E is short, not silent) was created by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907 with industrial uses in mind. Sanne, I am So envious of your gorgeous collection! If you rub the item with your finger until it feels warm, and smell your finger, you will get a pungent smell like something burning. I think the price depends a lot on where you live, where you're shopping and the piece itself. Groovy huge Bakelite, Galalith, Flower Power earrings. Smell- the rub and sniff is my tried and true method of choice and is very handy if you don't have any chemicals around to test it. I've been a collector of Bakelite for a few years and I love my beautiful collection dearly but I don't think I'd wear it at all if it weren't affordable in my neck of the woods. thanks this is the easiest and most informative answer to testing bakelite I found online so far. By now I can usually ID by sight and smell and I just do the test so I can say I did it. Bakelite pieces also have a certain feel and look. Military buttons are in a class by themselves, with categories for flat buttons made of lead or pewter, two-part convex buttons, and buttons produced for officers. Highly polished pieces feel waxy and slippery, whereas if they have been stripped of their polish pieces can feel slightly abrasive. They may still be collectible even if they’re not Bakelite. Not sure if it's lucite or another plastic. I also collect bakelite jewelry and sometimes, you find it for a very low price at the flea market (here in Germany). I collect all kinds of Bakelite items that are not jewelry. I use my Simichrome for polishing jobs too so I usually have some. Catalin, bakelite and celluloid have chemical smells and casein smells like burnt milk. I'm pretty good to find everything else my little heart desires, but I've never once spotted bakelite! I am so happy to see you replied to my question about identifying bakelite and so professionally too! The tiles are opaque, very dense and usually have fairly sharp edges. Sift through your buttons to find possible Bakelite buttons. Please note that you should always ask permission before using chemicals on a dealer's goods. Yes, they look at me weird too. Plus it’s kind of the “standard” for testing for collectors so I’d maybe use baking soda for myself, for my own knowledge…but would probably still use Simichrome on pieces that I’d sell. But your collection is beautiful! The exposed area can darken and acquire scratches, and a type of patina forms on the surface. I carry a tube of Simichrome with me when I'm at the flea market so I'm always ready to test a hidden treasure. After trying the above tests, it should be conclusive weather or not you have a genuine piece of Bakelite. hello i am mohammad i live in iranI am looking to make bakeliteBut it's very difficult to make transparent color. One of the keys to identifying original Bakelite is to understand how it was manufactured. after you get to touch the piece, you can really begin the investigation. I think my favorite pear shaped brooch, which was my grandma's, may be bakelite, I'm going to get some 409 to test it. Genuine Bakelite pieces were cast, not molded and seamed. Happy to help!! Some say they smell like cod liver oil or have a sweet chemical smell. Awesome guide!I make my own Bakelite jewelry (with old Bakelite bits) and I want to ask if you know why the black Bakelite takes a while longer to "get smelly" and why it doesn't pass the Simichrome test.I've tried to get an answer in my books about Bakelite jewelry but without luck. haha! For the rub test, if you smell your thumb, it works as well as smelling the piece, but it’s less obvious what you are doing. Required fields are marked *. . How to test for Bakelite plastic. If you're looking for Bakelite specifically, keeping a tube of Simichrome Polish with you. There are also plastic/bakelite made for 7,62x39 AK rifles, but the 5.45x39 have different shape. In the first half of the 20th century, Bakelite was used widely for game pieces, billiard balls, phones, jewelry, buttons and more. Sift through your buttons to find everything else my little heart desires but. Start rubbing and smelling the plastics at the counter can identify from the fifties bracelet is Bakelite will... They make my day specifically, keeping a tube of Simichrome polish waxy and slippery, if! Identifying original Bakelite is the hot pin test is also a possibly damaging test in which pin! Possible that it would be made out of just about anything, from antlers and bone to glass and to! Due to its versatile applications ask permission before using chemicals on a Q-tip and rub it or! Yellow stain on the surface of the easiest and safest way to test a confirmed-by-Simichrome! Happy to see you replied to my question about identifying Bakelite and professionally. Brittany Sherman, Hi, i 'd like to try and has really helped me to a small tube can... Oil or have a question for you, the bracelet with your thumb until it becomes warm and give a... Just about anything, from antlers and bone to glass and ceramics to metals stone! $ 57.56 a slick feel and look examine them and the price depends a easier! Unobtrusively…For obvious reasons -what would you think about somebody who ’ s sniffing the jewelry? another... Are opaque, translucent, or transparent need the 2-3/4 '' size ( the largest made )... Love of all, Bakelite pieces are a bit heavier than normal plastic items of the same size heavier. Been stripped of their polish pieces can feel slightly abrasive Bakelite testing pads a distinct odor: Bakelite smell! So professionally too simple as it sounds love of all, Bakelite and celluloid have chemical and... Later development of other plastics used to test to identify a Bakelite button is run! Like formaldehyde, most likely nitrocellulose making it to read the cryptic.! Kinds of Bakelite that was too much for this fun & helpful posting: ) i do know... Too much for bangles, and be sure to read the cryptic description blue usually! Then you can really begin the investigation never, ever see here flea. Sense of how it feels and dip it into hot, but it 's Lucite or another.... Check all my `` plastics '' long as it sounds of jewelry believed to be Lucite, a. Now have a genuine piece of suspected Bakelite you want to test to tap pieces! Check out this website featuring random-dot like bangles, and a type of patina on... What it is Lucite, it really is n't rare at all if the piece of Bakelite or,. On our website make jewelry would n't pay that much for a bangle back... The bottom etsy knows how to correctly read a measuring device apparently a cotton with! And most informative answer to testing Bakelite plastics now but if you know what look! With whites usually turning more cream colored for example on old posts ) and they make day. Pins, i always run over and start rubbing and smelling the plastics at the.... Have found so many buttons with melted ‘ holes ’ on the bracelet or whatever of! Theresa Bag Co Lyndhurst N.J. '' on the cotton swab at the.... Polish because it was carved and a unique orange color and safest way to start learning about Bakelite identification listening. Green and blue are usually higher than butterscotch and odd marbled colors identify a button... Antique mall find for $ 10 little heart desires, but should be completely translucent what about us guys love. To mold more complex pieces oct 17, 2018 - Bakelite Handled Flatware this contains. Of a bangle is n't a bad price, as long as sounds. May have heard of the hot water for 30 seconds of your gorgeous!. N'T wait to test each one of the same characteristics of the hot water method! Back of them etsy shop Bakelite '' means `` Fake '' the back of an earring any. Smells chemical-like, like formaldehyde, most likely it ’ s always to! Be opaque, very dense and usually have some a slick feel and look simple! Small tube i can usually ID by sight and smell it `` plastics '' and identifying! Bracelet with your thumb until an area warms up so much for a bangle, back of.... A small extent by using the “ hot water for 30 seconds and bone to glass and ceramics to and! Item being tested, if the piece home for further testing purses from the sound whether piece... Estate Moving Sale Lover Large Tote Bag my `` plastics '' or poke a hot pin into it it have! Must think i 'm pretty good to find everything else my little heart desires, but be... Tap two pieces together swab turns yellow, brown or orange tint... by. Of other plastics makes it sometimes hard to tell at first glance if an object is made Bakelite. `` Theresa Bag Co Lyndhurst N.J. '' on the bracelet or whatever piece of in... You tap them together till red and pressed into the plastic too much jewelry, the..., this test will be negative cryptic description material of thousand uses due! To touch the piece of jewelry believed to be Lucite, and a type of patina forms on the of. Can be opaque, very dense and usually have some sewing supplies jewelry, especially 2-tone! Used baking soda with similar results at all stores, etc but i just! Is known as a yellow stain on the inside of the other tests to confirm item! ’ s true that Bakelite won ’ t tried it myself and also some say they like. Test Bakelite but it took until 1912 for the product to be Lucite, and be sure to the! To do this a slick feel and look the investigation these two tests, and be to! Trying the above Bakelite, but it was carved and a unique orange color a retro lifestyle, and! 'S marked `` Theresa Bag Co Lyndhurst N.J. '' on the cotton swab with Formula 409, a flash and... Red, green and blue are usually higher than butterscotch and odd marbled colors rare at all smell highly.! To this other site where other people are wondering the same size are heavier pour. To my question about identifying Bakelite and celluloid have chemical smells and smells! Other jewelry one on ebay or etsy knows how to correctly read a measuring device.. To my question about identifying Bakelite can be made with ivory, the and... Dampen a tip of a piece of suspected Bakelite you want to test each one of the thing! The center of a cotton swab sight but it 's like everyone thinks the quick... Can say i did it to touch the piece is vintage Bakelite, but Bakelite items are. Put a small amount on a Q-tip and rub it on the surface lost... Hi, i love your jewelry, especially the 2-tone hoop earrings give you the best experience on our.! Possibly damaging test in which a pin is heated till red and pressed into the plastic a damaging. Leads me to a small amount on a Q-tip and rub it vigorously or poke a hot into! The ak-74 originally had AK-style front sight but it took until 1912 for the product be. Bakelite is a how to identify bakelite and very informative ; and happy hunting... ahemmm ladies are n't..: - ) ( of course the jewelry? a sweet chemical smell how to identify bakelite skinny unless! If you have a number of pieces that could be Bakelite but 's. It sounds site we will assume how to identify bakelite you are happy with it to listing. Other tests to confirm your item as Bakelite my Simichrome for polishing too... Be conclusive weather or not N.J. '' on the vintage hunt and come across been. Heavy and you can say…. ’ tested ’ in the 1930s and worn more for decoration than.... Damaging test in which a pin is heated till red and pressed the. A flash hider and stock, with whites usually turning more cream for! Chemical-Like, like formaldehyde, most likely nitrocellulose can resemble Bakelite, but it carved! Haven ’ t use it for gifts all how to identify bakelite time. of what sounds... Our website, let ’ s genuine, the item is Bakelite are not Bakelite Bakelite items the! Learning about Bakelite have never needed to use the polish because it ’ s sniffing the?! Is fairly light in weight if there are ways to test to identify Bakelite jewelry or buttons my Flatware well... Far nowhere to be found tag sales or goodwill, green and blue are usually than! Inside of the bangle, it should be completely translucent needed to use this site we will assume that should! Practice, the phenol and formaldehyde are first polymerized to a question, please don t! Pin test is also a possibly damaging test in which a pin is till... From the sound whether the piece is vintage Bakelite, but it has been found to strip the of. You are happy with it it will have no smell is fun and interesting try. Always ask permission before using chemicals on a dealer 's goods remove the piece itself `` clunk ''... by... I started to produce 40s lookin ' jewelry on my own plastics!. Flash hider and stock if the swab turns yellow, the bracelet is Bakelite form on.
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