If you have ever asked yourself "how do I know if I'm bidding on Bakelite?" then this guide was written just for you.

Many vintage and antique plastics are collectible these days, be it jewelry, telephones, cameras or antiques car parts.
But how do you know if the bangle bracelet you are bidding on is real Bakelite, French Bakelite, Lucite or just a 99c store plastic?

Unfortunately, there is no way you can test the plastic you are bidding on in someone else's auction.  The only things you can do are pay close attention to the wording of the auction and ask the right questions. 

This guide will concentrate on Bakelite. 

Bakelite is a light-weight plastic that was invented by Dr. Leo Baekeland in 1908.  It was used extensively until the 1980's when they stopped production due to the cost and complexity of production and the brittle nature.    Then it became highly desired and collectible.  There were beautiful, amazing pieces of jewelry made, necklaces, earrings, and of course the ubiquitous bracelets! 
  
There are two easy, conclusive and non-intrusive methods to test Bakelite.

Both rely on the chemical reaction of the plastic in question.

The first is the Formula 409 test.  If you take a soft cloth, cotton swab or paper towel and apply a small amount of Formula 409 cleaning fluid to the piece, when you wipe it away the Formula 409 will come up bright yellow on the paper or cloth.  Be sure you aren't testing positive for dirt!  If the spot isn't bright yellow, clean it and try again.

The second method is the hot water test.  Immerse your piece in almost boiling water (be careful!) and a strong, distinctive odor will come up from the water.  It's hard to describe the chemical smell, but once you smell it you will never forget.  Some say it smells like formaldehyde, but I have never smelled formaldehyde, so I couldn't tell you. 

You can also heat a straight pin and insert it into a hidden area on the piece, but I don't like this method, it leaves a mark on the piece and some types of plastic (like celluloid) are very flammable.   

If your seller does not mention in the auction description that they have performed either one of these tests, feel free to ask them to so you know what you are bidding on.  A seller who is claiming that something is Bakelite should have some proof to back it up and it's easy enough to get that proof.  Check feedback of any seller you buy anything from.  Be sure your seller has a return policy in case you get the item and it doesn't pass the Bakelite tests.  Most of all; be wary.  Bakelite and other vintage plastics sell for high dollar sometimes so if something seems "too good to be true", as in all aspects of life, it probably is.



I hope this guide was helpful and Happy eBaying!