Mourning Jewellery, buckles etc.

[Valda Collison]

Ok all you clever people out there. Have acquired a lovely black double buckle with metal cameos that look a bit like very old light brass. Not sure of what they are made of. The buckle pieces are quite light and when tested for bakelite, the cloth came away black. Have not idea. Have googled for ebony, whitby jet testing, and still not really any further along. Have attached pics in the hope that it might ring some bells somewhere. Thank you.

[Aesthetics & Old Lace]

Hi there,
Looking at the back of the buckle in the 2nd photo, I'd guess it was made of celluloid. Celluloid is also very lightweight, and Bakelite has more heft and is heavier.

The shanks (holes) are very similar to those on celluloid buttons, and are placed so that the 2 halves can be sewn onto the edge of a coat, cape or cloak.

Bakelite will leave a strong orangey-yellow color on the cloth, sort of like 'school bus yellow'.

The diamond shaped piece may be glass, can you tell by the sound it makes when tapping on it? I can usually tell glass by the sound it makes when tapping it (lightly) onto a ceramic mug handle or something similar.

They do look 'older', and could have been made in Czechloslovakia. Not absolutely sure, but they have the right 'look'.
Hope that helps :-)

[Valda Collison]

Many thanks, all this information is most helpful. Am posting another question for you knowledgeable lot to help me with. I hope you can anyway. Any idea on the sort of price I could ask on the pieces you have just advised me on?

[sue norris]

Hi there, regarding the buckle....jet is lightweight compared to glass etc. it also feels 'warmer' to the touch. If you poke a red-hot needle somewhere where it won't damage the piece, jet will smell like coal.
The second piece looks like 'French Jet' which is in fact, glass. Try this web site - great educational value : www.vintagecostumejewels.com Hope this helps, Sue

[Valda Collison]

Thank you Sue, have actually just discovered that web site whilst looking for information on another piece. Am about to ask the knowledgeable lot on this site if they can help me once again.

[C. Dianne Zweig Editor's Desk]

Thanks for posting. You can also use the "Whadja Find Group" or the Jewelry Group" for specific information. Dianne