Question about Bakelite

[dasimm]

I recently found a few rods of some very nice bakelite but they seem very expensive and I'm not sure where to begin on determining the value of these rods.

Soooo - my question is how do you go about determining the value/price of a 12" x 1" rod of bakelite?

Also is there a way to tell if I'm getting genuine bakelite?

Thanks

 

[ed4copies]

Bakelite has a very distinctive smell when you turn it.

Like all other materials, it's value is in the eye of the purchaser. Find a collector who wants your pen (Made from bakelite) and you can name a price (depending on what the collector will afford).

Remember this stuff is from the 1930's, turn with care.

 

[dasimm]

Thanks Ed

 

[DCBluesman]

Bakelite has no Mold Lines
Bakelite is heavier then other plastics
Two pieces of Bakelite struck together will have a distinctive sound
Bakelite has a unique surface, interiors usually slightly pitted.
Run hot water over a Bakelite item. It should have a formaldehyde type odor.
Take a small bit of Simichrome on a cotton swab. Rub it on an unobtrusive area. It is best to then take the other end of your cotton swab with no Simichrome on it and rub VERY HARD against the polish you have left there to see if you get a stain. Bakelite will stain the cotton swab a yellow or brown color.

Depending on size and color, bakelite rods can run from 75-cents to $3-4 an inch.

 

[dasimm]

Thank you DCBluesman! That helps a lot.

 

[DurocShark]

So why isn't it made anymore?

 

[Wheaties]

So why isn't it made anymore?

Have wondered the same thing.

 

[dasimm]

Probably because it's primary components were formaldehyde & asbestos... Not exactly environmentally friendly

Also certain acrylics and other plastics were easier and cheaper to manufacture after WWII.

 

[jleiwig]

So why isn't it made anymore?

It is still made by The American Catalin Corporation I believe.

http://www.americancatalin.com/

Site is not working currently, but you can use the wayback machine to see it. Maybe they folded due to the economy?

 

[jleiwig]

Company: American Catalin
Contact Person: Joshua Walker
Telephone: 1-727-741-1737
Tampa, Florida, United States 34691

 

[dasimm]

THANK YOU!!!! for the replies - you prevented me from spending a lot of money for fake baklelite (fakelite).

Again - THANK YOU!.

 

[DozerMite]

I found a few manufacturers that are making bakelite. I haven't tried any since it would need to be imported and they require a minimum order. That leaves me out to place an order.

I also read...
Bakelite was considered as a material for pennies during WWII because the copper was being used for the shell casings. Instead, in 1943 they used steel. I have over a hundred of the steel pennies, unfortunately, I never found a Bakelite penny.