Alexei Volkov
Bakelite is a type of plastic that was invented in 1907 and used to make jewellery, buttons, telephone cases, radios, and more. It is no longer being manufactured, making it a collectible item. However, with reproductions and similar-looking plastics on the market, it can be challenging to identify genuine Bakelite items. Several tests can be performed to determine if an item is made of Bakelite, including the hot water test, the Simichrome polish test, the Formula 409 test, and the weight and texture comparison test. These tests exploit the unique characteristics of Bakelite, such as its distinct formaldehyde scent, its reaction to certain chemicals, and its relatively heavier weight and waxy or slippery feel compared to other plastics.
Characteristics to tell Bakelite from Plastic:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | Bakelite is relatively heavy for a plastic |
| Texture | Bakelite is waxy and slippery when polished, but can feel abrasive when stripped of polish |
| Sound | Bakelite has a deeper sound when clunked together compared to other plastics |
| Heat response | Bakelite, once hardened, can never return to a moldable state |
| Smell | Bakelite has a musty phenol or formaldehyde scent |
| Colour | Bakelite comes in deep rich colours like mustard, caramel, reds, oranges and greens, through to tortoiseshell, burgundy and black |
| Seam | Bakelite jewellery will not have a seam |
| Reaction to Simichrome Polish | Simichrome polish turns from pink to yellow on reacting with the chemicals in Bakelite |
| Reaction to Formula 409 | Formula 409 turns brownish yellow when reacted with Bakelite |
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What You'll Learn
The 'Hot Water' smell test
The Hot Water Smell Test is a standard test for determining the authenticity of Bakelite. When a piece of plastic is placed under hot running tap water, the heat from the water releases Bakelite's formaldehyde-like scent. This test has proven to be an effective method of at-home testing, but it is not always possible to perform when buying items, for example, in the middle of a flea market.
To perform the test, immerse the item in very hot water for 30 seconds. Alternatively, rub the item vigorously with your thumb until it gets really hot. Authentic Bakelite will have a chemical smell of formaldehyde, which has been described as a musty phenol odour or a sickly sweet resin smell. It is important to note that some plastics can be damaged by very hot water, so it is advised to be fairly certain that the item being tested is likely to be Bakelite before performing this test.
It is also worth noting that while this test can be useful for identifying Bakelite, there are other types of plastics that can produce a similar smell. Therefore, it is recommended to perform multiple tests to confirm the authenticity of Bakelite, such as the Simichrome Polish Test, the 409 Test, or examining the item for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches and patina.
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The weight test
Bakelite is a type of plastic that is classified as thermoset, which means that once hardened, it can never return to a mouldable state. This is in contrast to thermoplastics, such as celluloid, which can be heated and softened repeatedly to return them to a mouldable state. As a result, you don't have to worry about Bakelite melting if exposed to high heat.
Other tests for Bakelite include the Simichrome or Formula 409 test, where a small amount of polish or cleaner is applied to a test spot on the item. If it is Bakelite, the solution will turn a brownish-yellow colour. Additionally, the baking soda test can be performed by rubbing a cotton swab dipped in baking soda on the item; if the swab turns yellow, the test is positive for Bakelite. It is recommended to perform multiple tests to confirm the authenticity of Bakelite.
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The sound test
When two pieces of Bakelite are gently tapped together, they should produce a deeper clunk or clank, rather than a clink. This is a very distinctive sound, often described as a delicious clacking noise, and is a result of Bakelite being heavier than modern plastics. The size and weight of the Bakelite items will create a different sound, so this method isn't as reliable and should be used with other tests.
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The polish test
The Simichrome Polish Test is one of the most popular methods to determine whether an item is made of Bakelite. This test involves using a small amount of Simichrome polish on a cotton swab and rubbing it into a test spot on the item. If the cotton swab turns a deep tan or tobacco brown colour, the item might be Bakelite. However, it is important to note that old wax or polish on the pieces can prevent a positive Bakelite test, as can overdyeing. Some colours, such as black and many reds, may also not react to the test.
The Simichrome Polish Test is a reliable method for identifying Bakelite, but it is always recommended to perform multiple tests to confirm authenticity. One such test is the Formula 409 test, which can be used as an alternative to carrying Simichrome polish. To use this method, dampen a cotton swab with Formula 409 and gently rub it on the inside of the item being tested. If the swab turns yellow, it indicates the presence of Bakelite. However, lacquered pieces and black Bakelite items may not react to this test, so combining it with other tests is advisable.
Another test that can be used in conjunction with the Simichrome Polish Test is the Baking Soda Test. This involves dipping a cotton swab into baking soda and then rubbing it into a test spot on the item. If the cotton swab turns yellow, it is a positive indication of Bakelite. Additionally, the "Hot Water" smell test is a standard method for determining the authenticity of Bakelite. This test involves immersing the item in hot water or creating friction by rubbing it against clothing to generate heat. Authentic Bakelite will release a formaldehyde-like scent, which has been described as a musty, sickly sweet, or resinous odour.
While the Simichrome Polish Test is a valuable tool for Bakelite identification, it should be used alongside other tests to ensure accuracy. By combining multiple tests, such as the Formula 409 test, the Baking Soda Test, and the "Hot Water" smell test, individuals can more confidently determine whether an item is made of Bakelite or another type of plastic.
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The heat test
It is also worth noting that while Bakelite itself is heat-resistant and will not warp or bend under heat, the heat test may not be suitable for items that have other components, such as wood or rhinestones, as they can be damaged by water. In such cases, an alternative test, such as the thumb rubbing test, can be used to generate heat and friction to release the distinctive formaldehyde odour without the use of water.
When performing the heat test, it is important to be cautious and avoid using destructive methods, such as the hot pin test, which can damage the item being tested. Additionally, it is always recommended to ask the seller's permission before performing any tests on an item. While the heat test is a useful tool, it may not always be feasible, especially when buying online or in situations where hot water is not readily available, such as at a flea market.
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Frequently asked questions
Bakelite is relatively heavy for a plastic. Hold another type of plastic in one hand and a piece of Bakelite of approximately the same size in the other hand; you will notice the heavier feel of Bakelite.
Bakelite bangles have a deep bamboo-type sound when clunked together, whereas other plastics sound higher-pitched and more brittle.
Bakelite has a formaldehyde scent. When rubbed with Formula 409, a common household cleaner, the swab will turn brownish-yellow.
