How Can You Tell if Poker Chips Are Bakelite?

Bakelite poker chips are some of the most sought-after chips by collectors. While there are a few ways to tell if a poker chip is made of Bakelite, the most definitive way is to test it with a hot needle.

Bakelite was created in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, and it was the first truly synthetic plastic. It was originally used for electrical insulators and billiard balls, but it wasn’t long before it was being used for all sorts of things, including poker chips.

Bakelite poker chips were first introduced in the 1920s, and they quickly became popular because of their durability and beauty. They were also very affordable, which made them accessible to a wide range of people.

The most defining characteristic of Bakelite poker chips is their weight. They are much heavier than other types of poker chips, which is one of the reasons they are so sought-after by collectors.

PRO TIP:To tell if poker chips are Bakelite, look for a glossy finish that is smooth to the touch. Bakelite will also have a slightly waxy feel, and may have a slight odor. If you look closely at the chip, you should be able to see visible ridges or swirls in the plastic.

Another way to tell if a poker chip is made of Bakelite is to look at the edges. Bakelite chips have very sharp edges, while other types of chips have more rounded edges.

One definitive way to tell if a poker chip is made of Bakelite is to test it with a hot needle. If the chip is made of Bakelite, the needle will sink into the chip without resistance.

If the chip is made of another material, the needle will bounce off the surface.

While there are a few ways to tell if a poker chip is made of Bakelite, the most definitive way is to test it with a hot needle.