Some antique mall finds and info needed on this box...

[CherryRed]

I went to my favorite antique mall and got this hat for $3, gloves $2.50 a pair, necklace for $1 and this great box for $10. Is is a very heave plastic and is thick and chunky. Does anyone know anything about this type of box? Era, manufacturer? There are no markings on it. I am curious as what plastic it is as it is so heavy.

Here is a closeup of the lid of the box.

 

[maisie]

Maybe its some sort of bakelite?? Whatever it is though, it is cute! It would be a great jewellery box or somewhere to keep gloves clean (and tidy!!)

 

[BonnieJean]

I recently acquired some vintage bakelite buttons and found these websites helpful in determining if they were bakelite.

http://www.plasticfantastic.com/about.html

http://antiques.about.com/od/bakeliteandplastics/tp/aa041506.htm

I think these methods could be used for identification of any type of vintage plastic. The easiest way is to rub your finger over the plastic until it gets a little warm and then smell it for a formaldehyde smell. Cute box and your other acquisitions are neat too! Don't you just love those great vintage bargains?

 

[CherryRed]

Thank you ladies for those hint's. I have tried the rubbing with my finger test and I get a slight odor, but I am not sure what it should smell like having never smelled Bakelite before. In reading on one of those sites it mentioned Bakelite telephones, and this remindes me of older heavy telephones. I will have to try the hot water and 409 test later.
Thanks again!