Marbled Green Catalin Phenolic Clock Case Stock Jewelry

Here's a vintage clock case with no clock inside... a big wonderful chunk of green phenolic marbled with brown and yellow. Base is one inch thick x 7-7/8" long. It's 2.25" at the widest and 1-5/8" at the narrowest. The clock area is 4.25" high; 4.25" in diameter outside; 3-1/8" diameter inside; 1.75" deep. The base was drilled, probably to hold a figure or pen holder. Unfortunately, it has been chipped around that opening and appears to have been glued back in place. On back edge there's 1/4" shallow flake at one end of base and 5 pin head and smaller dot flakes on outside curved edge of clock part. The surface is quite shiny and would be great for jewelry making, radio knobs, or other artistic project. It does not test positive for bakelite with the scrubbing bubbles test so is probably Catalin or other phenolic that was more stable and doesn't respond to that test. I always thought I'd make something with it but never have. It's been in my collection since we purchased it from an estate sale about 30 years ago.

In response to some questions, we've done a red hot pin test to the underside of the base, inside the machined opening where it would not show. The pin does not pierce the plastic more than a tiny dot on the surface which means it is a thermosetting plastic, in the same chemical category as bakelite, catalin, and other phenolic resins. It will not become soft with heat which means (as also evidenced by the drilled and machined openings) it can be ground, shaped, and polished with tools without burning or melting. As to its actual chemical composition or brand name, I can't tell you as I don't know.

$75.00    Shipping $8.00

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