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How to Collect Bakelite

When people hear that you want to collect Bakelite, they often assume that you are going to collect Bakelite jewelry. This is not always the case, as there are many other items that are made of Bakelite including radios, pens, buttons, snow globes, telephones, dice, early car parts, and decorative and household items. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

Information on Bakelite
Soft clean cloth
Simichrome

Instructions

- 1
  Decide if you want to collect only one type of Bakelite item, or if you want to have a mixed collection of Bakelite pieces.
- 2
  Learn about the Bakelite items that you have decided to collect, including how to tell if something is made from Bakelite. There are several ways to determine if a piece is authentic Bakelite. (See Tips below).
- 3
  Purchase a price guide that includes the type of Bakelite you are collecting.
- 4
  Join a Bakelite collector's group, either on or off line. Joining a group will give you a place to meet like-minded collectors and share your collecting experiences and sources.
- 5
  Visit local antique stores in your area looking for Bakelite items for your collection. Make sure to tell the storeowner that you collect Bakelite and they will keep that in mind when they attend auctions, are on buying trips or visit other antique shops.
- 6
  Browse online auction sites and antique stores searching for that elusive piece of Bakelite.
- 7
  Scour local thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales hoping to find a Bakelite piece that has been stored away in an attic or garage.

Antiques