How can I tell.

[scarett]

I have a little box which I think is bakelite,how can I tell if it is, there are no names or marks on it.Can someone please advise me. Thanks

[stoo_pid]

Not very scientific but is it

• very old?
• dark brown?
• non-magnetic?
• very hard?
• non-flexible?

If yes to all 5 then it probably is. (Unless it's wood of course ; - )

[thewillow]

Not necessarily brown.  I have a green bakelite glasses case which I bought in Moscow back in the 70s.

[scarett]

Thanks for answers, it is dark brown but with a mottled reddishness through it, leopard like when the light hits it,it is hard,it's not flexible and it wont stick to the fridge as for age iv'e no idea,so stoo_pid any idea, Thanks

[Drewhound]

Rub it with your finger until it's warm and then sniff it. Bakelite smells of formaldehyde or carbolic acid . It's a different smell to any other plastic

[scarett]

Thanks, Drewhound, That is a much more understandable answer for me. Thanks to all.