:bow
You're all on the mark about the scales: I looked at their edges more closely, and there are indeed laminations consistent with horn. There's also a bug bite inside of the scales.
I convinced myself that the scales were Bakelite because I haven't seen sharp, beveled edges on horn scales before, and because these are so DARK. I even tried shining a high intensity light through them to see if they were horn, but didn't appreciate any color variations.
I freaking LOVE this place! I learn something nearly every day! :tu