Posted 9 years ago
Emme
(41 items)
Today's offering at my local thrift store was this 29" strand of Butterscotch Bakelite. There are 22 beads that measure just about 1 3/8". I tested these beads using the 401 method and I am happy to report that the Q-tip turned yellow/light brown upon rubbing the beads. I am guessing these beads are from the 1950's-1960's. I don't know what to add but that it has a good sound and weight. Thanks for stopping by.
** Edit: Upon heating these in hot water, they smelled honey-like, resinous, which fits the description of copal.
Delicious -----> Looks like Carmel
Thanks for the love valentino97, brunswick, mikelv85, Elisabethan, antique rose, AmatoorPikr, racer4four. I was lucky.
What are those thin lines across the middle of the beads?
It looks like they are two halves fused together. I don't know bakelite well--- so I could be wrong--- they passed the 409 and smell test--- but I am no expert.
Well, the insides are rough and uneven, and the bead holes are rough and lighter than the rest of the beads. Where does one buy simichrome?
I had originally thought they might have been african beads, as I had seen a necklace from South Africa with similar beads. When researching I came across Bakelite.
valentino97, the sound when these beads hit is a clacking bright sound. I read that that is an indication. I posted pics of the holes and tried to show inside the beads, not smooth.
Valentino97, thank you! You are a star in my skies. Thanks!