02-04-2024 06:03 AM
I have these two pieces that came in a couple of lots of Bakelite that I purchased. Both failed the simichrome test but I know that red and black don't always test well. I ran them under hot water and they had no smell but both "clunk" like Bakelite but feel lighter than I would expect. The red brooch has a glue on back so that tells me (I think) it is not an early piece, possibly 50's or later. The red one feels carved but the black pendant looks molded. What could they be made of? Am I correct in thinking that if they were Lucite, they would have some translucence? Thank you for looking and any help or opinions.
02-04-2024 07:20 AM
Honestly, both look like bakelite to me. I have never had much luck with the smell test, but you could try rubbing them really hard with your finger until it almost burns... I seem to be able to get the smell a bit better that way. Lucite can have transparency or not. The red one's backing looks like a replacement.
02-04-2024 08:38 AM
Thank you Christine. I will try that.