African PF Copal Amber Bakelite Faturan Graduated Beads 15in Necklace 195.2g

Extremely RARE Shape African Dark Red Copal Amber Bakelite Faturan Graduated Beads 15 Inch Necklace, 13 Disc Beads, Total Weight 195.2g. The largest center bead measures approx 1 1/2 inches | 38 mm diameter. The medium sized beads measure approx 1 1/4 inches | 32 mm diameter. And, the smallest beads measure approx 3/4 inches | 19 mm diameter. It is quite rare to find a necklace with this perfect graduation in the LARGE African disc bead shape. These beads are in preowned vintage condition. They appear to me to be from the period of time between WWI and WWII (so approx 1920-1940) when it was very desirable for the Africans to make their jewelry for both home and export with chunky synthesized Amber & new phenolic plastics such as Bakelite, although Bakelite was invented in 1907, so these beads could potentially be from before 1920. Please see the photographs for details and note that 2 of the photos show the results of my Bakelite test with Simichrome polish on the 4th rub (to be sure all surface dirt was removed before the test). I purchased this amazing collectors piece at Carson’s Antiques in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands in 2004. Note that the hand written tag from that purchase is still on the bead cord. I can provide a copy of the receipt for Provenance if you request it when you place your order. 😃