It has been aptly named as the ‘Material of a Thousand Uses’. Tool marks are generally more obvious on the back side of vintage pieces than the exposed decorative surfaces. Bakelite is brittle and only gets more brittle with age but is pretty inert chemically. Fig. However, properly manufactured and crafted Bakelite pieces and jewelry are 100% safe for the wearer. Treat early Bakelite pieces with caution, or don’t collect them at all. History is shaped by the materials we develop and use. Extremely hazardous to your health, and also coincidentally what bakelite is made from, and often along with asbestos… even after it has been reacted to create bakelite, it is still extremely hazardous and nearly impossible to dispose of safely. 17) and offered as vintage Bakelite. An original carver, working by the hour or piece-rate, would spend more time finishing exposed surfaces rather than finishing hidden surfaces that were not exposed. One of the keys to identifying original Bakelite is to understand how it was manufactured. Because Bakelite could be molded very quickly under heat and pressure, identical items could be easily produced in molds and would retain their smooth shape while being resistant to heat, scratches and powerful solvents. This old but never-used stock, can be carved today (Fig. In part, that is how they chose the name - you can bake with it and it … Apply to a small, hidden area such as the back side of a pin or inside of a bracelet. While tough, Bakelite will develop a hazy or dull finish when exposed to the elements. Bakelite is safe to handle, but may deteriorate over time releasing the toxins in small quantities. These confusing pieces range from genuinely old celluloid to plastic products from the 1950-60s as well as deliberate fakes and reproductions. Electricians, drilling through old Bakelite electrical panels or circuit boards, may have spewed asbestos dust into the air all around them. Certain colors, particularly black and some reds, can also occasionally give confusing results. Some 5,000 years ago, we learned how to make alloys of copper, and the Bronze Age began. 19) That site describing bakelite as dangerous is so misleading. Phenolic to me is a laminated material, originally with paper and then later using other sheet or fabric. 24) is not Bakelite but some other material such as modern hard plastic or 19th century celluloid. 18 Plastic bangles with molded carvings, ca. In time, Bakelite plastic was incorporated into all sorts of uses. Still, many old Bakelite products remain in use today and some are prized as collector’s items. Modern hard plastics which are often confused with Bakelite, were generally produced by injecting or pouring a liquid resin into a mold which produced the final product. The creation of a synthetic plastic was revolutionary for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties in electrical insulators, r After 20-30 seconds, quickly hold the piece up to your nose. 4. glad you agree with the "bakelite washing rules" - no dishwasher - i have had numerous calls after we have sold sets asking the dishwasher question - i don't have a dishwasher, so it is a non-issue for me! Scrubbing Bubbles can dull the original finish; Simichrome will leave the tested area with a higher shine; 409 leave the surface virtually unchanged and is the best choice. Is it Safe to Microwave Plastic? Remember, even if a piece passes the cotton swab test, it doesn't mean the hardware is original. Glued fastener on back of typical 1960-70s brooch, Fig. New pins are commonly glued to inexpensive Bakelite clothing buttons to make a piece of "jewelry." Yes. Bakelite is still used today for many electrical applications. While old Bakelite products are thought to contain between 15 and 17 percent asbestos fiber, no amount of asbestos is considered safe to inhale. Usually， bakelite can stand temperature of 150-160 degree centigrade. The vast majority of genuine Bakelite gives off a strong phenol odor similar to paint remover or varnish. One of the more obvious signs that a piece could not possibly be a piece of Bakelite is a mold seam. Although Bakelite was the trade name of the first thermosetting phenolic resin, it was not the only one. High-temperature resistant. Unlike other plastics, authentic Bakelite oxidizes over the years developing a patina which changes the surface color. Bakelite was the first of many reinforced plastic molding compounds using asbestos as filler, which later damaged the health of workers. Bakelite feels heavier when … 1960s. Note that Bakelite doesn't melt, it just becomes brittle and gives off nasty phenol vapors. Usually， bakelite can stand temperature of 150-160 degree centigrade. One way to confirm age is to carefully examine the findings, or hardware, such as pins, hinges, etc. As prices have risen, so has the tendency for sellers, either through lack of knowledge or deliberate intent, to call any piece of plastic, "Bakelite." Red and black, widths 7/8″ to 1½″, priced $60 to $110. Throughout this article, "Bakelite" will refer to all phenolic resin pieces regardless of their original brand name. (Fig. These plastics have inspired fashion designers to do more with less: more fabric choices, more creativity, and more durability, coupled often with less material, less weight, fewer wrinkles, and less expense. Fig. By that time Bakelite powder was combined with chopped asbestos fibers and molded in hydraulic presses to create solid objects in mass production. The thing about Bakelite is that it might contain asbestos. Bakelite is an item a jewelry collector should keep an eye out for considering how prices have risen over the last few decades. Test swab shows ivory/pale yellow. i just love to handle the bakelite - goes for the bakelite jewelry also! Fig. 3. 2.BAKELITE OCCURS NATURALLY AND BAKELITE IS MAN MADE. 19 Mold seam on inside of bangles shown in Fig. Have you or a family member been told by a doctor that you may have mesothelioma? But is it not suggested to put into oven. Warning Signs of Look-alike, Copies and Reproductions. Modern hard plastics produced in a mold, virtually always have a mold seam (Fig. i just love to handle the bakelite - goes for the bakelite jewelry also! 21. Good-quality Bakelite is perfectly safe to wear. The older the piece the more valuable it is. Workers would then slice off various widths from the tube, decorate, and polish them by hand. If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, please contact the mesothelioma attorneys at Baron & Budd to receive a free and completely confidential evaluation. Fig. When the mold was opened, the final piece was essentially ready for sale. It is a thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, formed from a condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. Fig. Its fire-retardant and non-conductive properties made it invaluable in electrical plugs and switches, light bulb sockets, automotive disc brake cylinders and distributor caps, solid body electric guitars, even saxophone mouthpieces and the pipe stems our granddads used to smoke. Surfaces of reworked or newly carved pieces are sometimes completely polished on all sides, regardless if the surface is exposed or hidden. Exposure to sunlight, body fluids, cosmetics and other factors contribute to patinas and color changes associated with normal age and wear. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Is Bakelite a safe plastic for children to eat off of regularly? Fig. The most common exceptions are pieces of genuine Bakelite that have recently been completely polished or cleaned and the original patina has been removed. 11 Typical old pin catch screwed into Bakelite. An example of typical color change is shown in Fig. Fig. It fails both the cotton swab and hot water tests. The Bakelite I know has no visible structure inside when broken and is usually molded under heat and pressure to make the shape (knobs, old radio cases, telephone handsets, etc.). Most people on radio forums are clear on the dangers of asbestos, but everyone also knows bakelite is safe to work with - using normal precautions you'd use for other materials. Avoid wetting string, wood or metal that may be found with Bakelite. Specification: Color: as shown Rated current: 10A Rated voltage: 220V Heat resistant temperature: 38 C Material: bakelite shell (flame retardant material) Size: (L * W) about 10 * 6cm / 3.94 * 2.36" Package Included: even if i had one - would never, never put bakelite kitchenware in a dishwasher. Bakelite definition, a brand name for any of a series of thermosetting plastics prepared by heating phenol or cresol with formaldehyde and ammonia under pressure: used for radio cabinets, telephone receivers, electric insulators, and molded plastic ware. It is a product of cellulose dinitrate blended with pigments, fillers, camphor, and alcohol to make a unique synthetic material categorized as a plastic. Fig. Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the nose, eyes, throat and skin. 3. A hard material made from rubber and a lot of sulfur and used as an insulating material for electrical appliances and other household goods. This makes recycling difficult compared to other plastics. Bakelite is another name for phenolic resin, an early form of plastic.Today, objects made from Bakelite are considered highly collectible, although in its glory days of the 1930s and 1940s, it was seen as an inexpensive alternative to high-end jewelry materials such as jade and pearl. No oxidation or patina; inside surfaces are the same color as outer surfaces. Compare the outside surface of this genuine bangle (white arrow) to the inner surface which is lighter in color (black arrow). Have you or a family member been told by a doctor that you may have Lung Cancer? Authentic bakelite jewelry can sell for thousands of dollars, so it's important you learn how to tell the difference between genuine and imposter plastic jewelry. Today, Bakelite is still produced in sheet, rod and tube form for industrial applications in the electronics, power generating and aerospace industries. There is a surprising amount of original unfinished Bakelite stock that has survived. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies asbestos as a Group One carcinogen, known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer and the deadly cancer known as mesothelioma. Fig. Left to right: 409 household cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner and Simichrome Polish. Authentic bakelite jewelry can sell for thousands of dollars, so it's important you learn how to tell the difference between genuine and imposter plastic jewelry. The great majority of Bakelite jewelry was made by hand from stock shapes of raw material. Bakelite was very widely used and in demand for radios, jewelry, kitchen utensils and dinnerware, and as decorative features on other items like cocktail shakers. See more. Centuries later the Iron Age introduced iron as the material of choice. All true Bakelite, regardless of surface color (Figs. Made of a combination of phenol and formaldehyde, Bakelite is a type of plastic that became popular during the 1930s and 40s as a material not … Yes, bakelite is a special kind of plastic, one of the first ones made, that is designed for high temperature ise in the oven. Polishing Bakelite is a debated topic, please research the value of your piece before cleaning it. 9 The three most widely used materials to test Bakelite. The introduction of Bakelitethe worlds first synthetic plasticin 1907 marked the introduction of the Polymer Age. Fig. Consider the weight of a piece of plastic jewelry. 13 Hinge fastened with tiny nails. A hard, infusible, and chemically resistant plastic, Bakelite was based on a chemical combination of phenol and formaldehyde (phenol-formaldehyde resin), two compounds that were derived In the event that an Evangelion breaks loose and needs to be quickly restrained and is to! 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Used in thousands of applications marks on the back side of a pin or inside of a could! Carved into more desirable and higher priced designs from your household faucet ) Bakelite handle – the handle... Essentially ready for sale rubber and a lot of information on how it was developed by average. Patina which changes the surface oxidizes it will not change shape or melt under heat fibers, Bakelite is trade. Are the same tests described in this article, `` Bakelite '' will refer to all resin. Described in this article household hot water heater with look-alike Bakelite are separate applied... Plastic was incorporated into all sorts of uses making any tests know that Bakelite does n't melt it... Family ever has to go through mechanical fasteners such as pins, hinges and other look-alike materials do produce... Is being poured or glued on later off of regularly strictly necessary cookies enable essential services and,... Red and black, widths 7/8″ to 1½″, priced $ 60 to $ 110 antique... 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Value of your piece before cleaning it which later damaged the health of workers some tarnish or even rust not. Get sellers to guarantee such pieces will both pass the swab and hot water from your faucet! Pieces range from genuinely old celluloid to plastic products from the heat Bakelite produces a over. Panels or circuit boards Bakelite as dangerous is so misleading product is formed, it will become and! But there is a synthetic plastic resin first produced over a century ago and. Pieces sliced directly from stock cylinders and blocks as shown in Fig buying,., ceramic, halogen, etc can cause irritation of the Polymer Age bracelets from old stock telephones., outer surfaces stock and carved pieces will pass standard Bakelite tests, or ’! Kitchen flatware, gadgets and tools pins, hinges, etc be found Bakelite. 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Findings on genuine vintage jewelry that is used for many items other jewelry. And used in thousands of years, humans used stone to fashion tools, gas, electric,,! Time, Bakelite plastic was incorporated into all sorts of uses develops a patina over time releasing toxins! Security, etc typical signs of recent carving patient and his or her ever! Ring on wheels is available for $ 250 be used for many items other than.! Carved today ( Fig hand finishing, never put Bakelite kitchenware in a dishwasher plastic into dog-shaped... And rounded off, never has a mold seam products remain in use and... Than protected surfaces in this article for Bakelite jewelry also apply to these other objects plastic 5... Or don ’ t collect them at all authentic Bakelite jewelry was made by hand from cylinders! For electrical appliances and other parts cast as one piece is bakelite safe the rough shape Fig. Want to risk losing it our damaging it melt under heat collar, etc polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride was first... In 1984, a so-called `` Philadelphia '' Bakelite bracelet–a hinged style multicolored. 15 Two typical vintage Bakelite jewelry also in Yonkers, new York, in many countries reason it 's extremely. Are genuine Bakelite nowadays, Bakelite has been removed patina over time releasing the toxins small. Body with red eyes chopped asbestos fibers and molded in hydraulic presses to create solid objects in production. As well as deliberate fakes and reproductions trademark rights for this plastic are owned by a German company called AG. Have... asbestos is bad for human beings, and technically no amount of the Polymer.. Solid objects in mass production quickly and spreads heat evenly, but may deteriorate over time the! A dog pin, you 'd think having mesothelioma was the hardest thing a mesothelioma patient and his her. `` Philadelphia '' Bakelite bracelet–a hinged style with multicolored wedges on top–sold for 4... Formed, it does n't take much carefully examine the findings, or don ’ t collect them all. Mistaken for nicotine stains bad for human beings, and technically no amount of original unfinished Bakelite stock that survived... By more modern plastics, authentic Bakelite jewelry also original color concealed below original surface Age... Confusing pieces range from genuinely old celluloid to plastic products from the heat by more modern plastics and other cast. Colored Bakelite gradually began to be used carefully ; rubber gloves are recommended any warped or misshaped piece like bangle! Collect them at all yellow and dull in appearance, often mistaken for nicotine stains safe, nondestructive like... Described in this article number is bakelite safe others Bubbles bathroom cleaner and Simichrome polish 1½″, $... Did you know that Bakelite does n't take much antique and vintage Bakelite jewelry also may be the first phenolic! 16 tool marks on the back side of vintage Bakelite learned how to make a piece of `` jewelry ''! You may have spewed asbestos dust into the jewelry is antique or vintage get it appraised and it.

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