Posted 13 years ago
SpunkysMom
(226 items)
FOUND A FEW DAYS AGO AT LOCAL THRIFT SHOP. IT'S 4" LONG. NOT SURE IF IT'S BAKELITE, BUT I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE BECAUSE OF THE BUTTERSCOTCH COLOR.
BAKELITE? SCIMIFAR SWORD BROOCH | ||
| Costume Brooches2383 of 2538 |  |  |
Cool brooch. Do you have 409 at home? The 409 test is a safe and generally non-invasive test for bakelite. Squirt a bit of 409 on a Q-tip, and test in a spot on the back of the brooch, rubbing back and forth in one small localized spot. If your Q-tip has a bright yellow residue, then it is Bakelite. Wipe off the spot you tested with 409 afterwards with a damp towel or sponge. This yellow residue is not based on the golden color of your brooch. All old vintage bakelite will show a yellow residue, regardless of the color, whether black, red, navy blue, green, etc. Based on your picture, it looks like the real deal! The rub test, and hot water test are also worth a try, but it will take practice to tune your nose the smell of Bakelite, but once you recognize the smell, you will never forget it. Also, if the pin is embedded in the plastic material, rather than applied with glue, then the chances are also good that it is old Bakelite. Good Luck.
YOU'RE A GREAT SOURCE OF HELP TO ME VINTAGELOVE. I APPRECIATE YOUR TAKING THE TIME TO GIVE ME ALL THE INFO YOU DID. I'LL DO AS YOU SUGGEST!!