Jambiya, Amber hilt, Before & After a Little Restoration

derek · 15th July 2005, 06:10 AM

Thanks, Rick. I couldn't believe it, actually. I assumed they would be bone. I'm just trying to get lucky more than I get burned

I'm pretty convinced its celluloid, but I wouldn't rule out anything, including bakelite.

RobT · 16th July 2005, 04:32 AM

If I'm not mistaken celluloid is made up of layers of celluloid impregnated substrate. If that is correct, it would be unlikely to fracture as cleanly as your dagger hilt did. Bakelite however is a sort of proto plastic and fractures much the same as plastic. I would bet your hilt, if not a natural material, is bakelite. A cane collector (or better yet, a bakelite jewelry dealer) may be able to itentify the hilt material. There are usually many bakelite jewelry dealers at large antique shows. Both celluloid and bakelite are still being made. I have been told that celluloid is subject to explode if given a sharp blow and that's why celluloid billard balls were replaced by bakelite. The form of celluloid called French (or faux) ivory looks very much like ivory.
Sincerely,
RobT

derek · 16th July 2005, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobT

I have been told that celluloid is subject to explode if given a sharp blow and that's why celluloid billard balls were replaced by bakelite.

COOL, I think they should be re-introduced into billiards immediately. And maybe golf too.......

Threetemper · 17th July 2005, 12:51 AM

Celluloid is extremly flammable . A small piece will go up like the blazes. So if you test this way do not do it next to the grip. That scabbard was definitely made by a sarki(Nepalese or Indian maker).

Berkley · 17th July 2005, 10:36 AM

Quote:

That scabbard was definitely made by a sarki(Nepalese or Indian maker).

I would go so far as to hazard the opinion (worth exactly what you paid for it

) that the incised pattern on the scabbard is definitely Indian, not Nepalese.

16th July 2005, 04:32 AM	#2
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 547	celluloid or bakelite If I'm not mistaken celluloid is made up of layers of celluloid impregnated substrate. If that is correct, it would be unlikely to fracture as cleanly as your dagger hilt did. Bakelite however is a sort of proto plastic and fractures much the same as plastic. I would bet your hilt, if not a natural material, is bakelite. A cane collector (or better yet, a bakelite jewelry dealer) may be able to itentify the hilt material. There are usually many bakelite jewelry dealers at large antique shows. Both celluloid and bakelite are still being made. I have been told that celluloid is subject to explode if given a sharp blow and that's why celluloid billard balls were replaced by bakelite. The form of celluloid called French (or faux) ivory looks very much like ivory. Sincerely, RobT Last edited by RobT; 16th July 2005 at 04:36 AM. Reason: added info

17th July 2005, 12:51 AM	#4
Threetemper Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Oakhurst,NJ Posts: 14	flame on Celluloid is extremly flammable . A small piece will go up like the blazes. So if you test this way do not do it next to the grip. That scabbard was definitely made by a sarki(Nepalese or Indian maker).

15th July 2005, 06:10 AM	#1
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Thanks, Rick. I couldn't believe it, actually. I assumed they would be bone. I'm just trying to get lucky more than I get burned I'm pretty convinced its celluloid, but I wouldn't rule out anything, including bakelite.