Bakelite Imitating Amber (?) Snuff With Crickets

[Stewsnuff]

I picked this snuff bottle up at an estate sale. It appears to be Bakelite but not certain. Bottle without cap is 38mm. The cork cap is jammed in so I don't want to force open. It is fairly light for its size. It is yellowish as Bakelite goes over time.

I believe it is Chinese though, it could be Japanese. Any thoughts on the age? Bakelite is typically 1930s.

[rpfstoneman]

It sure looks like Bakelite.   There is a test for Bakelite.  See link: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+do+you+test+for+real+bakelite&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS856US856&oq=Test+of+Bakelite&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgEEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjINCAQQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAUQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAYQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAcQABiGAxiABBiKBTIKCAgQABiABBiiBNIBCjE5MDQ4ajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:35b7be84,vid:tVV5XEX3vvg,st:93

Information for another Tread on the Forum.  Charll

What is Bakelite?

Bakelite is a castable, fire resistant plastic that was invented by Leo Baekeland in 1909.  One of the first plastics made from synthetic components, Bakelite was used for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, and children's toys.

Following the discovery, Bakelite was originally used for industrial purposes, until jewelry makers found that its light weight made Bakelite a perfect choice for designing and manufacturing inexpensive bracelets, rings, pins and other jewelry.  Bakelite jewelry became especially popular in the 1930's and 1940's, after a wider assortment of colors were introduced. The new batch of Bakelite colors captured the imagination of more and more jewelry companies during this period.

[Stewsnuff]

I tried the hot water test (dipped base part in hot water) and did not detect a formaldehyde, or any other, odor. I am reluctant to test with chemicals as there is no hidden surface. I doubt it is bone as the material is homogeneous in texture.

Are there cellulose or Catalin snuff bottles around? The latter is used to make ivory-colored mahjong tiles that were popular in the 1930s US.

[Wattana]

I just noticed this post today.

Bakelite bottles do exist. I once, many years ago, came across a bakelite snuff bottle that was purportedly from the 1930s.
Isn't catalin the same thing?

[Stewsnuff]

Hi, yes the materials are similar - phenol formaldehyde resins. But Catalin is a later formulation and has transparent qualities.

I Chatgbt'ed snuff bottles last year. Not many Bakelite ones around apparently and I haven't received responses when I post on FB groups so, I am assuming they are not common.

[Wattana]

Is Catalin semi-translucent and able to reproduce the swirls seen in agate?

If so, I've seen many modern snuff bottles sold as souvenirs in Mongolia - usually with a portrait of Genghis Khan embossed on the front! 

[Stewsnuff]

Catalin wouldn't be used anymore. There are other modern resins that are used to make stuff and, I suspect those Mongolian bottles were made somewhere in Guangdong, China. That said, I have read that Catalin has transparent qualities.