Search:

I'd be avoiding anything with solvents (cant remember the chemical makeup of bakelite).

Maybe test on a part of the scales that wont be seen?

It can be, if they dont "smell like plastic" then there is a good chance they're bakelite. Bakelite will often smell like formaldehyde

I'd avoid the buffing wheel in fear of heat build up, my method would be some high grit wet/dry followed by Brasso and hand polish.