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There are three main types of celluloid - the two most prevalent as handle materials are celluloid nitrate (a very early form) and celluloid acetate. The former leeches out nitric acid, the latter...

This is actually what he says Ben:

"...I have noticed a couple of things. Black scales don't seem to ever get celluloid rot, and the ones that get it the most are the semi-transparent amber and...

The smell released by the out-gassing of the scales is usually the biggest giveaway (apart from the rusty blade!) - vinegary, usually a lot of crazing and/or frosting in the surface of the scales...

The marks look like finger marks to me - patterned staining like that is usually associated with patterned celluloid scales, yours are clear. What a shame - it looked lovely before you 'cleaned' it!...