Alexei Volkov
Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, has become a hot commodity among vintage jewellery and mechanical parts collectors. However, with tons of reproductions and similar-looking plastics on the market, collectors must learn various methods for identifying Bakelite items. While there is no one failsafe test, here are some standard methods for determining the authenticity of Bakelite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Bakelite has a distinctive chemical smell, similar to formaldehyde. The hot water test can be used to detect this smell. |
| Weight | Bakelite is heavier than other plastics. |
| Sound | When tapped together, two pieces of Bakelite make a distinctive clunk sound. |
| Appearance | Bakelite may darken or yellow when exposed to light. |
| Polish | Simichrome Polish can be used to test for Bakelite. The polish turns yellow when rubbed on Bakelite. |
| Heat | Bakelite does not warp, bend, or lose its shape when exposed to heat. |
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What You'll Learn
- The 'rub and sniff' test: rub the item vigorously until warm, then smell it. Bakelite smells like formaldehyde
- The hot water test: dip the item in hot water. Bakelite releases a formaldehyde-like scent
- The weight test: Bakelite feels heavy for its size
- The sound test: when tapped together, Bakelite makes a deeper clunking sound
- The Simichrome test: apply Simichrome polish to a small area. If Bakelite, the polish turns yellow
The 'rub and sniff' test: rub the item vigorously until warm, then smell it. Bakelite smells like formaldehyde
One of the tests to identify Bakelite involves rubbing the item in question vigorously with your thumb until you feel it heat up. Then, before it cools, sniff it. If it's Bakelite, you should be able to smell a distinct chemical odour similar to formaldehyde. This test is especially useful when you're out shopping and want to quickly identify Bakelite jewellery or mechanical parts.
This test is also known as the "rub and sniff test" or the "hot water test". The hot water test involves placing a piece of plastic under hot running tap water. The heat from the water releases a formaldehyde-like scent, which is a tell-tale sign of Bakelite. However, the rub and sniff test is often preferred when out shopping as it doesn't require access to hot water.
It's important to note that Bakelite has a very distinctive smell, which some describe as a musty phenol odour or a sickly sweet or resin smell. Once you know it, you won't forget it. However, it may take some practice to identify this scent, and combining this test with other identification methods can be helpful.
While the rub and sniff test is a useful tool, it's not the only way to identify Bakelite. The weight, feel, and sound of Bakelite are also distinguishing factors. Bakelite is quite heavy, and highly polished pieces feel waxy and slippery, while unpolished pieces can feel slightly abrasive. When two pieces of Bakelite are tapped together, they produce a distinctive "clunk" sound.
Additionally, the colour of Bakelite can provide clues to its authenticity. Bakelite tends to darken with age, so you won't find pure white pieces. Instead, look for mustard yellow or darker shades. Furthermore, seams and mould marks are rarely seen on genuine Bakelite due to the finishing methods employed during production.
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The hot water test: dip the item in hot water. Bakelite releases a formaldehyde-like scent
The hot water test is a standard method for determining whether an item is made of Bakelite. Bakelite is a synthetic compound developed in 1907 by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland, and it is widely considered the first synthetic plastic.
To perform the hot water test, simply dip the item in hot water. If the item is made of Bakelite, the heat from the water will cause it to release a formaldehyde-like scent. This scent has been described as a musty, sickly sweet, or resin smell. However, it is important to note that this test may not be suitable for items that include other materials such as wood, string, or metal, as these could be damaged by the water. In such cases, it is recommended to only immerse the Bakelite portion of the item in hot water.
While the hot water test is an effective method for at-home testing, it may not always be practical when making purchasing decisions, such as at a flea market, as access to hot water may not be available. Additionally, some early plastics can be damaged by very hot water, so it is important to be reasonably sure that the item being tested is likely to be Bakelite before performing this test.
It is also worth noting that there is no single failsafe test for Bakelite, and a combination of different testing methods may be required to make a confident determination. Other tests that can be used in conjunction with the hot water test include the Simichrome polish test, the Formula 409 test, and examining the item for signs of wear and patina.
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The weight test: Bakelite feels heavy for its size
Bakelite is a synthetic compound developed in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, a Belgian-American chemist. It is widely considered the first synthetic plastic and is a hot commodity today among vintage jewellery and mechanical parts collectors.
One of the ways to identify Bakelite is the weight test. Bakelite feels heavier when compared to some other types of plastics, like Lucite and celluloid. To perform the weight test, hold another type of plastic that you have identified in one hand and a piece you know to be Bakelite of approximately the same size in the other. You will notice the heavier feel of Bakelite. However, more testing will be required to confirm authenticity.
Collectors are wise to learn various methods for identifying Bakelite items, as there are tons of reproductions and similar-looking plastics on the market. The weight test can be used in conjunction with other tests to confirm whether a piece is Bakelite.
One of the standard tests for determining the authenticity of Bakelite is the hot water test. When a piece of suspected Bakelite is placed under hot running tap water, the heat from the water releases a formaldehyde-like scent. However, some plastics can be damaged by very hot water, so you need to be fairly sure that what you are testing is likely to be Bakelite.
Another test is the Simichrome Polish test, which is the preferred method for many plastic collectors. To test with Simichrome, apply a dab of the cream to a soft cloth and gently rub a small spot on the inside or back of the item being tested. If it is Bakelite, the cloth should turn yellow with ease. However, if a piece is lacquered or black, it may test negative.
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The sound test: when tapped together, Bakelite makes a deeper clunking sound
The sound test is a simple and effective way to test for Bakelite. Bakelite is a heavy plastic, and when two pieces are gently tapped together, they make a distinctive deeper clunking sound, almost like bamboo. This is quite different from other plastics, which tend to make a higher-pitched, more brittle sound. Bangles, for example, have a deep bamboo-type sound when knocked together.
The size and weight of the items being tested will create a different sound, so this method should be used in conjunction with other tests to confirm authenticity. It is, however, a fun and interesting way to test and can be useful when out shopping.
Collectors of Bakelite items will often use a combination of tests to confirm the authenticity of a piece. The hot water test is a standard method, where hot water releases the formaldehyde-like scent of Bakelite. The Simichrome Polish test is another preferred method, where the cream is applied to a soft cloth and rubbed on the item being tested. If it is Bakelite, the cloth will turn yellow.
There are many other testing methods, including the weight test, the smell test, and the sight test. The rub and sniff test is a good option if you don't have any chemicals to hand.
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The Simichrome test: apply Simichrome polish to a small area. If Bakelite, the polish turns yellow
The Simichrome test is a preferred method for testing the authenticity of Bakelite for many collectors. Simichrome Polish is a non-abrasive cream formulated to clean metals. It can also be used to test Bakelite. To test with Simichrome, apply a small amount of the cream to a soft cloth and gently rub a small spot on the inside or back of the item being tested. If it is Bakelite, the cloth or the applied cream should turn yellow with ease (although the colour may vary from light to dark). If a piece is lacquered, it may test negative. Black Bakelite pieces often fail this test as well.
The Simichrome test is a reliable and easy-to-use method for testing Bakelite. These testing pads are an alternative to carrying a tube of Simichrome polish when shopping. However, this test is not always accurate, and some pieces may not react, such as black Bakelite and many reds. Old wax or polish on pieces will also prevent a positive test, as will overdying.
The hot water test is another standard method for determining the authenticity of Bakelite. When a piece of suspected Bakelite is placed under hot running tap water, the heat from the water releases a formaldehyde-like scent. However, this test is not always practical, as most consumers don't have access to hot water when making buying decisions in the middle of a flea market.
Other ways to test for Bakelite include the weight test, where Bakelite will often feel heavier than other types of plastic, and the thumb test, where you rub the item vigorously with your thumb until it heats up, and then take a whiff to detect the chemical odour of formaldehyde.
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