(from top to bottom, left to right) 1. Image of negative test on Acrylic Plastic. 2. Image of Positive Baking Soda test. 3. Image of Positive Simichrome Polish test 4. Photo of Baking Soda and SimiChrome Polish

Baking Soda Test:

A readily available, non-toxic alternative, baking soda reacts with Bakelite’s phenolic resin. Rubbing a dampened cotton swab with baking soda against the bangle’s surface should reveal a yellowish stain when Bakelite is present. However, this method can be inconsistent depending on oxidation levels and surface coatings.

For the most accurate results, the bangle should be wiped down before testing, as surface contaminants like smoke, dirt, or other residues can cause false positives tinging even the cleanest cotton swab yellow.

Simichrome Test:

The standard for Bakelite detection. Simichrome Polish produces an unmistakable yellow residue when rubbed on genuine phenolic resin. It’s also a fantastic metal polish, so good your grandmother would approve. This test is highly effective but requires access to the polish, making it less convenient for on-the-go verification.  Though carrying a small bag of baking soda isn’t exactly inconspicuous either. "No, Officer, I just prefer not to inhale chemicals" sounds more suspicious than it should.

‍

Regardless of which test you use, both will show negative on more modern plastics like Lucite or acrylic – in fact, there will be no reaction at all. 

When Basic Tests Aren’t Enough:

For common pieces basic bangles, brooches, or even kitchen utensils either test is generally adequate. The hot water test is more reliable, but only if you already know what authentic Bakelite smells like.  

But when we step into the realm of highly collectible, often reproduced Bakelite like designer 1920s jewelry, the standards must be higher. Advanced methods we'll talk about in another blog but for now, trust your gut and follow these steps: 

Age: 

Look for age. Most Bakelite was produced before WWII and will show natural signs of wear: scuffs, marks, dirt, and patina. If it looks factory fresh, be suspicious. The interior should also be lighter in color than the exterior (since Bakelite patinas from exposure).

Craftsmanship:

Bakelite pieces have no seams and were made by hand. Anything with a seam, isn't Bakelite.  Carvings were also done by craftsman so they should look logical but not perfectly symmetrical, you should also be able to see tool marking on the inside of the cuts. 

Availability: 

In 14 years of collecting, selling, and documenting jewelry, I’ve never managed to have multi pieces in the same color, let alone the same size, shape, or pattern. If a seller has multiple identical items, they're very, very likely to be reproductions. 

‍

Conclusion:

Baking Soda, Simichrome, and common sense serve well for affordable, everyday Bakelite verification, but serious collectors dealing in high-value pieces should demand more rigorous testing.

‍

The Bureau remains vigilant because in the world of vintage plastics, even the past isn’t always what it seems.

C.A.T.S. ARCHIVE

(Not a federal agency)

‍