Thread: Question about Clauss scales, help please

Hi, guys!
I just picked up a Clauss straight at my local Flea Market that looks to be in decent shape. Should not take much to restore it to working order.
At first I thought that the scales were ebony. They did not feel like celluloid or plastic, and under a magnifying lens I think I can pick out a very tight grain in some areas.
However, when I sand it, it does not look, or smell like either. I build guitars and am real familiar with ebony dust.
The dust coming off of these scales is brownish, and the freshly sanded scales stink to high heaven.
Can anyone tell me whether this is celluloid, or could it been horn? Any help is appreciated.

Hard rubber, also known as Vulcanite - what clarinet mouthpieces are made of!

They will eventually come to a nice rich black after sanding and polishing. Use a rubbing compound after getting the worst off. Telephones used to be made of the same stuff!
~Richard

Yup, they will polish up nicely. There are some tips here Leica FAQ — Vulcanite . Scroll down to the Vulcanite Care section. I have rubbed glycerin onto scales and buffed dry the next day to try and keep them from getting dry and brittle.

Bob

Awesome. You learn something new every day. Thanks, all of you.

Celluloid has a very distinguished smell, but it doesn't stink really... Smells more like cheap air-freshener when rubbed or heated..
You'll know it once you encounter it :]