What type of plastic is this purse handle?

E

eyemsotired

Registered Guest
Hi,

This purse has two plastic handles at the top. I know very little about types of plastic and am trying to learn to tell them apart.

I tried rubbing it till warm - no odor. I tried wiping w/ 409 - no color transfer. They have some light surface scratches but the plastic feels really substantial. It makes a heavy kind of click when you tap them together.

The purse is 16 inches wide and it has a clear plastic pocket with a metal zipper inside the main compartment of the purse - would that date it closer to 80's?


Thanks!



tatted_sundress01_46.JPG


tatted_sundress01_47.JPG
 
That looks like Acrylic to me which is the generic name
The registered trade name would be Lucite® for dupoint (USA) or Perspex® ICI in the (UK) they both worked closely together around this time before dupoint bought out ICI.
The fleck of colour might mean it has been cast into the handles by a third company.

The 80's sounds about right for that type of plastic also . You will be able to polish the small scratches out with a duster and brass metal polish .
 
Another test for plastics is the hot water test. In this case a steady hold on the purse with the handles only dipped in a bowl of hot water would be better than running tap/hot water, as you would have more control. There are three odors for plastic; vinegar and camphor (minty pine) for celluloid and what reminds me of a flea collar for Bakelite. If there is no odor with hot water, it can be any number of modern plastics including Lucite.

I would argue (amongst my-selves) between 60s and 80s on that purse. Is there any inside marking?

Jenn
 
yeah could be a 60's or a 80's purse, safe to say its a celluloid handle then you wont get caught out...
 
Hi again,

Nope, no tags or markings of any kind inside.

Here's a pic of the inside~


tatted_sundress01_1_001.JPG



I guess if I can't pin down the date I'll just have to keep it for myself ;o)

Thanks again~
 
My best guess would be 60s, and I dont think you could go wrong in using acrylic to describe the handle. Its a neat looking bag. I wouldnt have a problem keeping it either. Of course I dont have a problem keeping everything! :)
 
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