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Can Anyone tell me if this is truly an old piece? | Bakelite Costume Jewelry28 of 43 |  |  |
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Posted 2 years ago
jschmid
(1 item)
I purchased this at an estate sale where they had a ton of OLD quality bakelite jewelry, but was told by someone this was a reproduction, and not even bakelite, although it passed the smell and simichrome tests. Would love to know for sure!
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Bakelite Costume JewelryBakelite was an early plastic resin, developed by Leo Baekeland in 1907. Or…
Costume Jewelry Pins and BroochesA costume jewelry pin or brooch can say a lot about a woman. If she's weari…
By looking at the photo, and how you found and purchased it, I would say it is bakelite. I own some bakelite items, but I am no expert. Still a very cool piece of jewelry; wonder what it was for, maybe a midwestern corn festival !
They can't replicate the smell of bakelite and if it passed the simichrome and the smell test go with your initial feelings of it being a genuine period piece. Just looking at it I would say its bakelite and an unusual piece at that. I don't think I have seen a corn shaped brooch in this style and the 3 color combo is great. How is the pin mounted on the back? This could tell us if it was something that someone reworked into a brooch. If the pin is screwed into the piece or molded then it is likely original and has always been a brooch. If you find the pin back is glued then someone most likely took the piece's and made them into a brooch. Whatever the conclusion I think it is a real find, well done.
great looking peice
I definitely agree with the above comments! Very cute BAKELITE pin :) I would suggest you go by the back of the pin though also.
Thanks so much everyone for your input. The back is original, it is drilled in, not a glued in pinback, so that should help. If I knew how to add another pic I would. Thanks again everyone!!
I found a similar corn necklace on ebay from a factory in China - they wanted $75. it was a really beautiful necklace. When I asked Iwas told that it was made in a home factory, the owner had passed away and his stock was being auctioned off. (I could not get exact dates) I have bought 3 carved rings (they were only $9 each) and enjoy them very much. The bracelets and necklaces were normal high bakelite prices so I didn't purchase. Long story short - yes - probably reproduction from China. PS: I have seen more items like yours and mine from ebay and etsy sellers and they are always a bit vague answering my questions where the items came from and when. I am not sure how this post works but I have actual email addresses for these items. I love to research my bakelite and know a lot about them as a result.
I also agree, if this passed both simichrome and smell tests it is probably genuine. It is also very nicely carved with an authentic patina. I think you have a little beauty there...
Love it, Just Love it