I recently got into Bakelite and found this amazing brooch by Martha Sleeper and was wondering if I can assume it to be Bakelite since it’s a distinctive piece or should I still test it using Simichrome? Also is the tiny black dot on its hind leg a painting mistake? And if so, are such mistakes common in hand painted brooches of the time (1930/40s)?
Is there a chance this brooch could be a Fakelite?
- Thread starter Gwendolyn
- Start date
Distantdetails
Administrator
If that is an authentic Martha Sleeper, that's great. But definitely test everything that purports to be bakelite. And, yes, there were painting mistakes, so that wouldn't bother me so much. But do test for bakelite.
I'll check my references to see if that pinback looks like Martha Sleeper. Maybe you have already done that?
Best to you!
I'll check my references to see if that pinback looks like Martha Sleeper. Maybe you have already done that?
Best to you!
Ranch Queen Vintage
Administrator
Wow, what an absolutely charming brooch!
I bow to Janine and others whose expertise is in this niche, but Bakelite or not, the hand-painting and pin-back closure all look period-authentic at the very least.
BTW, I'm chuckling at the term Fakelite!
I bow to Janine and others whose expertise is in this niche, but Bakelite or not, the hand-painting and pin-back closure all look period-authentic at the very least.
BTW, I'm chuckling at the term Fakelite!
BonniesVintageClothesLine
VFG Member
Your pin looks a lot like this one that sold on Ebay. The metal pin back attachment looks the same as well.
c1940's Martha Sleeper Bakelite Bambi deer brooch pin | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for c1940's Martha Sleeper Bakelite Bambi deer brooch pin at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
BonniesVintageClothesLine
VFG Member
I have this deer pin in my collection that is supposedly a Martha Sleeper book piece(can't remember right off which book). I think mine is missing the small painted eye that was original to the pin. There is a different deer version(not Bambi) currently listed on Rubylane that seems to be complete and it has the same pin back with rivets as mine does. It's a different one than the one on your pin. I expect different pin backs may have been used during that time, the 30s.
Here is the Rubylane listing:
www.rubylane.com
Here is the one I have in my collection with genuine leather ears front and back:
And, here is another bakelite brooch in my collection that I have wondered if it was Martha Sleeper and it has a different pin back than the others shown here:
Your Bambi pin sure looks like it is Martha Sleeper. If not mistaken, I believe she also made wood pins that had the painted plastic eye inserts.
Here is the Rubylane listing:
Vintage Carved Bakelite Deer Pin 1930s Martha Sleeper Leather Ears For Sale on Ruby Lane
For Sale - Vintage Brooches & Pins from From Here To Victorian - Made of carved butterscotch Bakelite, this 1930s Martha Sleeper deer pin has soft leather ears and measures 3 1/8 long by 2” wide. The pin back is attached with rivets.It is in good condition - both ears are extremely fragile and...
www.rubylane.com
Here is the one I have in my collection with genuine leather ears front and back:
And, here is another bakelite brooch in my collection that I have wondered if it was Martha Sleeper and it has a different pin back than the others shown here:
Your Bambi pin sure looks like it is Martha Sleeper. If not mistaken, I believe she also made wood pins that had the painted plastic eye inserts.