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Fakes and Phonies are all around! I shop at flea markets, antiques shows and antique stores 1-3 times a week. I
regularly shop in Chicago, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, North Carolina, Miami, Michigan and
NYC. MANY pieces of Fakelite have been spotting in quality antique stores. There is a lot
of it out there. Some reputable dealers are selling it. I do not believe that it is
intentional fraud. Many antique dealers who offer Bakelite do not necessarily specialize
in Bakelite, so they are unaware of fakelite. It is important to remember that most
antique dealers get their items the same way YOU do, from estate sales, auctions, flea
markets, other dealers, and eBay! It is ignorant to work under the assumption that you
cannot buy fakelite from a reputable dealer, you can certainly do so. The nature of the
transaction (honest mistake or dishonesty) does not alter the fact that you have just
spent your hard earned money on a worthless fake!
Remember the Three Bs - Be Cautious, Be
inquisitive, Be Smart!
We welcome your comments and
photos. Please send emails to: info@fakelite.com
I am of the opinion that eBay should take steps to protect the integrity of the vintage,
retro / bakelite, plastic category. It's a shame that some sellers are being allowed to
offer up FAKELITE jewelry in this category.
Look here for
updated information regarding fakelite This page updated NOV 2006. Newest
entries are at the top of the list.
Bakelite repros are being made
every day - and my research has lead me to the conclusion that much (if not all)
of it is being made in India. Check out this website featuring random-dot like bangles,
and be sure to read the cryptic description. I hope "F Bakelite" means "Fake". I'm sure many of their customers think it means "French", because that is how they are being advertised on certain online auctions .Click here
You can find bangles that look
like bakelite, but I will stop short of calling these items fakelite because :1)
they do not test using any method, including smell; and 2) they
are not being misrepresented in any way. I am only mentioning this to raise awareness of
their existance, or if you want to pick up some great looking and very inexpensive
bangles. You can find these at Forever 21 stores, and also H&M
stores.
REMINDER - Regarding FRENCH
BAKELITE:
Generic name: Casein-formaldehyde (yes, it DOES contain formaldehyde, contrary to what
others are stating).
Trademarked names: Galalithe (was first shown at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1900);
Amerioid; Erinoid; Aladdinite; Lactoid
It has NOT been produced for at least 25 years, and continued production much longer in
Britian than in France!
Here is a fascinating history of Casein:Click Here REAL AUTHENTIC French Bakelite (aka GALALITH) DOES HAVE
A SMELL!! It smells like scalded or burnt milk when rubbed or hot water tested. Just
because something is coming from France, and it's plastic, does not automatically make it
French Bakelite. "Sometimes I sing and dance in my underwear, but that don't make
me Madonna!"
I have been trying different testing
methods and have discovered that if you run fakelite under HOT water for at least 4
minutes, the phenol smell will disappear, and a "plastic" smell remains behind.
I recommend this test for items that can be safely put in water (bangles, some necklaces,
rings).
V Shaped Pin Backs - I have
gotten several messages regarding the sudden appearance of V shaped pin backs on
"vintage" bakelite pins and brooches. Thank you for sharing that info.
Weird Bakelite Rings - Rings
with carved Scotty dogs, bugs, snakes, and lips can all be found today. The fact that they
are being touted as "vintage" is laughable.
Fat Prystal Bangles -The
Fakes are getting better. Watch out for heavy, oversized fake "Prystal"
(aka "applejuice" or "cherryjuice") bangles. Many of these are turning
up at flea markets / antique fairs. They are the rounded, fat domed bangles, not a shape
used during the vintage bakelite days. HINT - look closely under a loop, and you will see
impurities in the "Prystal". [Translucent Bakelite is referred to as Prystal].
Watch out! It appears
that the fakers are getting smarter, some fakelite is starting to appear with "patina",
the yellowish aging that occurs naturally over time with vintage bakelite. It has been
seen in green marbling color (what we call creamed spinach). Be careful out there!
Apple juice Stardust -
they took one of my favorite types of bakelite and have tried to recreate it. Very bad
copy of the original, so you probably won't fall for it. Watch for it in thick bracelets.
Horse Head Pin - here is
an example of a glut in the market. I have seen these everywhere, from eBay, flea markets,
and respectable, legit dealers. Watch out for a smooth, somewhat matte surface, and eerie
yellow expressionless eyes (no personality). There is also a version out there with the
horse head and 3 dangling charms - don't fall for it!
Martha Sleeper Charm Bracelet.
I am very saddened to report finding these. Watch out for the "Lucky Bracelet" -
the ones with the black cat, 8 ball, and "lucky 13" charms attached. The
pristine condition, low price ($500) and lack of patina gives this away. An original would
sell for much more, and some paint loss and reasonable wear would be expected.
Kentucky Derby Souvenir.
I recently saw a laughable example of fakelite - not so funny was the fact that it was in
a very reputable antiques mall. Eventually it will probably end up in the hands of a
novice bakelite collector, who will become very discouraged once she discovers she was
"had". It is a postcard with a full color vintage looking drawing of a horse and
jockey, with the words "Souvenir of the Kentucky Derby 1928". There was a very
crudely carved Catalan-like horse head pin attached, with the words "Genuine Bakelite
Pin". The fakelite alarms went off all around me!
Hinged Bracelets are
being reproduced. Recently at an antiques market I saw an "apple juice" hinged
bracelet that was very crude. Familiarize yourself with the vintage hardware used on
bracelet hinges, pin backs, and attachment screws. Today's fakelite hardware is a bit
different. You will also notice that sometimes the fakelite hardware is distressed, trying
to make it look older. The trouble with that is most of my vintage bakelite hinges have
held up rather nicely over time. I would be more suspicious of a rusty hinge than a shiny
one!
What new Fakelite items have YOU
seen lately? Send us your Fakelite Sightings and they will be added to our list. info@fakelite.com
I shop at flea markets, antiques shows and antique stores 1-3 times a week. I
regularly shop in Chicago, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, North Carolina, Miami, Michigan and
NYC. MANY pieces of Fakelite have been spotting in quality antique stores. There is a lot
of it out there. Some reputable dealers are selling it. I do not believe that it is
intentional fraud. Many antique dealers who offer Bakelite do not necessarily specialize
in Bakelite, so they are unaware of fakelite. It is important to remember that most
antique dealers get their items the same way YOU do, from estate sales, auctions, flea
markets, other dealers, and eBay! It is ignorant to work under the assumption that you
cannot buy fakelite from a reputable dealer, you can certainly do so. The nature of the
transaction (honest mistake or dishonesty) does not alter the fact that you have just
spent your hard earned money on a worthless fake! 
Look here for
updated information regarding fakelite