I know its not jewelry but is it possible this is Amber?

[mimiwells]

Bought a vintage black cloth purse that had a ticket in it dating from 1967 so assuming this purse is somewhere between 1945-1967.  The button is what attracted me, I thought it was bakelite but it doesn't test positive with 409 test.  Could this be amber....I am stumped.  all thoughts are appreciated.

[scifidaughter64]

The problem with the 409 test is that since they changed the formula a few years back, some of the bakelite doesn't respond. I had to fork out for simichrome because of this. Have you tried rubbing it to warm it up and get a smell off of it?

[thirry]

SciFi is right about the 409 formula change. The only other method I've had any real luck with is Simichrome, which is available here for something like $9.99/free shipping. To be quite honest my lack of results with other methods is probably more a matter of not having much suspected-Bakelite for testing in the first place. Small sample size = less than reliable results.

A.

[kpamber]

Don't discount good old plastic...

or maybe lucite...1967 was post bakelite era.

[clearsphere]

Can we see the whole bag? Just for fun, ticket too

[oncoyotemountainart]

It looks like old tortoise shell Lucite or plastic to me.  I vaguely remember that was all the vogue in the 40's from some of my mother's purses and jewelry.

[mimiwells]

I love this purse, lol  apparently this gal was  a high stakes better $2.00 on the daily double at Saratoga in 1967.

[paulibeverlyhills]

I am an amber collector. I don't think it's amber from the look of it. More likely some type of resin, lucite, plastic. In the earlier years, resin or bakelite was often used to adorn purses. If you go to a vintage clothing reseller store, maybe a knowledgeable person there can help you identify. Good luck to you

[rixstuff]

Amber is very brittle and wouldn't hold up to daily use so I feel safe saying some kind of resin , lucite, bakelite.

[gauntlettgems]

Cool purse and such an unusual clasp

[mimiwells]

Thank you all I really appreciate your help

[clearsphere]

Love it!