Featured Vtg Cherry Amber Bakelite Table Lamp

Thanks J Dag-Any tips about testing & cleaning Bakelite without ribbing off the patina and causing streaking/discoloration ?

 

I would just take a damp cloth and rub a small inconspicuous spot to get to surface dirt off. Then do you baking soda or other test in that spot. You can also rub that spot vigorously with your thumb to get it hot and see if it gives off the telltale formaldehyde smell. I don’t think doing it on a small spot at base would be an issue.

 

I've got a tube of Simichrome.Thanks for the tips.

 

To be fair I’ve never used simichrome and have no idea if there is a risk in using it. Baking soda seems pretty benign so I’ve stuck with that. The worst it could do as far as I know is very small surface scratches.

 

JD- Thanks for the help.This is the first piece of interesting Bakelite I've ever really had.I've had old cutlery & a bangle or two but nothing as interesting as this,so much appreciation.
I'll keep you updated after I hit a few early Thermoplastic collectors groups.Ah-the Web and it's endless wormholes,what fun !

 

I think that would qualify as the most interesting piece of Bakelite that most people have found. Gotta be one of the biggest too.

 

I've never seen Bakelite in a piece that large! I've used Simichrome on Bakelite jewelry for years with no ill effects. As someone else pointed out, you may just be removing dirt. Use warm water to really clean a small spot and then use the q-tip with Simichrome. The smell of Bakelite is quite unique.

 

I'll gently remove it from the base & test it w/ a hot needle & very hot water.I still don't know 100% if it's some kind of thermoplastic,copal,amber or just some kind of plastic.
My main clues to age of the piece are the light sockets,upright pole and base construction-all seem to have some age (30's-50's ?).
Re: Bakelite,etc-they still make thermoplastics today.
*** Frm everything I've read 'Faturan' is a variant of 20th century Bakelite.
Faturan seems a brand name created by a Mideast manufacturer or the Bakelite Co.-original etomology may be older.
PS-Any antique w/ a Chinese association gets my repro 'hackles' up.Thankfully this was cheap.
ALL feedback most welcome !
PSS-Some research Sites are -Bead Collector Network,kombologia.com,researchgate.net, but these are just the tip of the iceberg-esp in the world of beads !

 

Nice find....very cool lamp!

 

Thanks Divas.

 

Faturan doesn't have a darned thing to do with bakelite, except by accident. It's random ingredient plastic. But it's a cool lamp.

 

There's so much propaganda & hype re the mysterious origins of 'Faturan' it's like investigating JFK's assassination.
It does sound like a mish-mash of resin,thermoplastic,maybe amber shavings,incense,and who knows what ?
Yep,I like the lamp (waiting for it to grow on my sweetie).The Hollywood Regency stuff puts us both into a bit of a sugar coma-but I like it's over the top goofiness more than my amiga.