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HOW DO
I KNOW IF IT IS BAKELITE?
Bakelite is a synthetic resin
chemically formulated and named
after its Belgian inventor, Chemist
L. H. Baekeland c.1909. It is
pronounced "Bay Ka Lite". Originally
it was used for molding items that
were previously done of celluloid or
hard rubber. One of the original
uses was for pool balls. It is
collectible in all its forms
including jewelry, buttons, radio
cases, lamps, dresser sets and many
more items. It was used commercially
for parts especially in electrical
wiring. After Bakelite and the
introduction of so many other
plastics and composition materials
it was easy to confuse them all.
People began to lump all plastics
into one generic term "Bakelite".
However, experienced collectors
developed ways of testing for
Bakelite some of which follow. None,
however, can take the place of your
own experience and careful
inspection. Check out books in your
local library (see the end of this
article) and talk to other
collectors.
Rub
your fingers over the piece. (I
grasp the piece with my hand and use
my thumb to rub) until it is warm,
then smell. It is unforgettable -
formaldehyde or a carbolic acid.
Familiarize yourself with this odor.
Not all pieces will have the same
odor intensity, but it will be
there.
Immerse the piece in hot water (not
with rhinestones, please). The smell
should be the same.
Bakelite has a clunky sound. Hit
two plastic pieces together, then
two Bakelite - check the difference.
Feel the difference.
Hot
needle - be careful though. Heat a
needle until it is red hot and then
pick an inconspicuous place on the
piece to stick the needle in. Wait
just a second - not too long!
There's that smell again! Also, non
thermoplastics will melt and
celluloid is extremely flammable so
again BE CAREFUL!
There
is a product on the market called
"Scrubbing Bubbles" bathroom
cleaner. When put on a q-tip and
touched to Bakelite, the q-tip will
turn yellow. I have only tested this
product and have had successful
results. No harm has come to the
Bakelite.
Colors
- some giveaways are colors and
shapes. Look at some of the Bakelite
books on the market and note the
colors. Look at pieces reputable
dealers have on display. Bakelite
colors do change with age.
There
are Bakelite pieces by Lea Stein
.These pieces are collectible and
vintage. They are not reproduction
and are usually signed - however, I
have heard that even this French
designer's pieces are being
reproduced and signed. Information
just received notes that Stein's
factory closed in 1980 however 2nd
edition pieces were produced in
1991. The newer ones are signed
"Agatha" or "Lea Stein Paris" The
new edition pin backs are riveted
with the 'Lea Stein' signature. Some
older editions 'were' heat or glue
mounted.
There
is reproduction Bakelite being made.
Some say the old is being melted
down to make new. One way to tell is
by the pin attachment. Prongs
embedded into the piece to hold the
pin attachment or tiny screws
usually indicate an older piece.
Glue or pins with 3 or more holes in
the pin back 'usually' mean new.
Bakelite made by Schultz is newly
designed and usually signed by them.
These may become collectible in
their own right. |
