Amazing 30s 40s Green Fur Clip, Bakelite?

Bombshell*Frocks

Bombshell*Frocks

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This fur clip is phenominal but I am not sure what to call the plastic it is made from.

Could it be Bakelite? or Catalin? Should I just mention both and say I am unsure?

Would you date this 30s or 40s? I am getting a vibe of 40s.

P.S it's not that shiny in real life...

Please help me, TIA,
Tori

<img src="http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30030714/Images/Green%20Fur%20Clip%20A.JPG">
<img src="http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30030714/Images/Green%20Fur%20Clip%20B.JPG">
<img src="http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30030714/Images/Green%20Fur%20Clip%20C.JPG">
<img src="http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30030714/Images/Green%20Fur%20Clip%20D.JPG">
 
Hi Tori,

There are a few tests you can do for bakelite. One is the smell test - which doesn't work for me - but youa re supposed to be able to put it under hot water or rub it with your finger and baketlite has a different odor. I have bakelite testing clothes...i could pop one in the mail to you if you wanted...

I am not an expert on bakelite so can't visually tell you what my impression is. there might be a resource that would tell you what colors were actually produced...i will have to remember what site it is on..
 
Holy cow, that is GORGEOUS!! :) They remind me of my grandma's butter mints. Yummy!


butter_mints.JPG


Can you test it for bakelite? It has that bakelite "look" to me - I know that sounds weird, but that color and patina looks right to me...

-Melanie
 
Thanks guys, now I am confused.

I've had this for quite some time, I believe I used simicrome on it and it tested negative for bakelite, but sometimes that is not always correct.

It could also be celluloid, my main concern is to date it correctly, I think this piece will bring me a handsome price.

Can I have one of those mints, please?
 
the thing is that a lot of tests show up "inconclusive" vs a false negative...

what it also depends on is the patina. if that was stripped at some point over the years...cleaned in a chemical...it is possible to have bakelite and the tests to be inconclusive. (fakelite will never test pos btw).

also, if a piece is extremely grungy and dirty and nasty, it might leave a brownish mark and is just dirt and not a real positive.

i heard 2 outta 3....cloth, smell, the formula 409 test will do it....i think i just need to buy something that is verifiable bakelite like just a button or something and just run a battery of tests so i know really what a definite strong positive looks like
 
Nice clip. If it's not Bakelite it's probably Celluloid.

The test for bakelite now is Formula 409. Soak the cotton on a Q-tip with Formula 409 and rub it on an inconspicuos area of the substance. Wipe it off the substance immediately. Now wait a few minutes and if it is Bakelite it will turn the Q-tip kind of yellowish. Unless the finish is rubbed off, that is.

Here's an expert on plastic's site:

http://www.plasticfantastic.com/testing.html

kj
 
I love those old pastel mints...reminds me of grandma's house : )

i would put "possibly bakelite but not tested" in the description if you are unsure. i would say early to mid 40s, but i am no expert...
 
Figures I wouldn't have 409 on hand.....:mad:
I'm going to list this piece as late 30's and made of either bakelite, celluloid or tenite.

Thanks for the help!
 
That color is absolutely fabulous!! Certainly reminds me of the colour of chinese jade I have seen, maybe not quite that bright but the same shade of green...

All I know from the pieces of bakelite I have is that pieces of jewelry tend to have a greasy feel....Little hard to tell with a piece this small...We have a bottle of bakelite testing stuff, wonder where it is? Manny is pretty good with his bakelite, he just tests to double check himself with the test usually being positive.

That clip on the rear certainly supports its age, I wonder if the frame is copper or just brass with a wonderful patina? Has that reddish tinge to it unless this is just part of the camera glare...

Well whatever it is Tori, its very sweet Leprauchan Green!!!


Nanc
 
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