My specialty

I can't believe I've not written about this yet. If you've ever had the misfortune to be around me for an extended period of time, you've probably gotten a history lesson on Bakelite. If you've not gotten the lesson yet, you're about to. Fasten your seatbelts. 


Bakelite was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, a Belgian chemist. It was the world's first successful plastic made from synthetic materials.


Originally it was used in machines, usually for insulation. But by the 1920s, it was used for jewelry, radios, clocks, desk sets, dresser sets, toys, and practically everything else.


Baekeland originally intended to create a synthetic alternative to shellac, which is traditionally made out of beetle juice. Instead, he invented Bakelite.


Its use is rare today because it's fairly expensive to produce. However, it is still used as insulation for wires.


At its zenith of popularity, it was used as: instrument mouthpieces, electric guitars, cameras, telephones, and even machine guns. During the copper shortages of WWII, the U.S. government needed to find an alternate material for pennies. Bakelite was a contender. Unfortunately, the Mint decided on steel instead, which is not nearly as cool.





So how do you tell it's Bakelite? It's really easy. If there's a piece you want to test, rub it in your hand until it gets warm. Then smell it. It will smell like formaldehyde. You can't miss it. However, I have heard that it's more difficult for smokers to smell it.


You can also use the hot water test. Just run the piece under hot water and the smell should be very pronounced. (I've never tried this, though, because I've never had trouble smelling it.)


If you smell something other than the distinct Bakelite odor, that doesn't mean your piece isn't vintage. Other smells indicate other types of plastic.


Camphor (Vick's Vapor Rub)= celluloid
Burnt milk= Galalith
No smell= Lucite or acrylic


One caveat, however, some pieces are more difficult to smell. I've discovered that pieces with a shiny patina have a fainter odor. 


DO NOT use the "hot-pin test!" That's when you take a hot straight pin and prick the item somewhere inconspicuous. Yes, it produces the unmistakable smell of formaldehyde, but it also permanently damages the piece. It can even cause the piece to shatter. And catch on fire. Don't do it.


Bakelite is a heavy plastic. With some practice, you learn to spot a piece just by holding it. Also, if you hit two pieces together, they will make a distinct "clunk" sound.


You can also tell by color. It comes in a large number of colors, and an infinite variety of shades, however, some colors are far more common.


Fake Bakelite (aka Fakelite), is being produced. However, it's much heavier than the real thing, and the colors just don't look right. Know what you're looking for and trust your gut. You'll be fine.


Bakelite was cast, not molded. There will NEVER be seams.


Any clip or pinback will NOT be glued on.


Because Bakelite is more than a little sketchy chemically (I mean, it smells like formaldehyde), the colors have changed over time.


White turned light yellow (called corn or butterscotch)
Turquoise turned green
Pink turned orange
Purple turned brown
Blue turned green
Yellow turns a deep mustard
Tortoiseshell is sometimes called Root Beer
Cherry Red has not changed color


Bakelite will NEVER be snow white. It oxidizes very rapidly.


Marbled Bakelite is two or more colors swirled together.
Apple Juice was originally clear, but is now amber.
Stardust has flecks of glitter or confetti. Usually found in amber pieces.
End of day Bakelite is the mixture of all the leftovers. It can be either marbled or an unusual solid color.
Also look for carved pieces.





How much should you pay for Bakelite? Well, that depends.


Today I bought a yellow bangle for a dollar. That was a fluke, but it's proof you can get lucky.
My early '20s orange bangle with a carved floral design cost $15.
My early '30s butterscotch bangle with carved stripes cost $12. 
My late '30s plain mustard bangle cost $8.
My mid-'20s mustard mahjong tile pendant cost $20.
My carved mustard brooch cost $30.
My deep pink brooch with rhinestones cost $16.


However, expect to pay upwards of $230 for a bangle with intricate carving. If you shop online, expect to pay $50+ for bangles I bought for under $20 at flea markets.


Also expect to pay a premium for unusual colors like cherry red or licorice black.


Bakelite is really collectible, but you can build up a nice little collection without breaking the bank.


One final piece of advice, try to shop in person when possible. That way, you can be sure of what you're getting. Also, you can haggle and get really great bargains. But maybe the best reason, you meet some of the coolest people. All of my favorite dealers are older and really knowledgeable. And it means a lot to them when younger people are passionate about things like this.


Happy hunting!


Always,
Callie