Testing Bakelite versus Celluloid:

Bakelite test:

1. Purchase some Dow Scrubbing Bubbles. And, no. Comet or Ajax will not work and it will destroy your bakelite. So, get the Dow Scrubbing Bubbles.

2. Clean the bakelite by wiping it off very well with a damp cloth so that it is clean. Do not get water on any metalic surfaces.

3. Saturate a Q-tip with the Dow Scrubbing Bubbles.

4. In an inconspicuous spot (and away from any metal) rub the Q-tip on the bakelite for 30 seconds. It should turn a bright lemon yellow if it is bakelite. If it does not turn bright yellow, then it is not bakelite. EXCEPTION: black bakelite does not always turn yellow.

Celluloid test:

1. microwave 1 cup of water.

2. dip an inconspicuous edge of the item into the water for 3 seconds only. Immediately smell the piece. If it has a smell of camphor, it is celluloid.