Old Bakelite parts such as ignition switches and horn buttons will disintegrate over time. Cracks and broken pieces are common. The original Bakelite was produce in Germany and made from "wood flour and formaldehyde." The common colors were black and brown with a shiny smooth finish. To restore the Bakelite, coat it with JB Weld, sparingly and within three minutes. The coating will be gray. Let it cure for a few days and use enamel gloss color in black or dark brown to finish.
The original Bakelite was made in the USA and was invented by a Belgian, Leo Baekeland.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Baekeland
It was a safe alternative to celluloid which was invented by John Wesley Hyatt. Yeah, THAT Hyatt.
Yes it was produced in the USA at the Garford/General Industries plant in Elyria, Ohio. (My home town)
They also made horns and many small parts for Ford and other manufactures. Stamping as well as 'plastic' parts. I understood the invention was patented in Germany and the license was bought by Arthur Garford. Bakelite products were produced at the plant into the 1960s. TV cabinets and cash drawers for example.
David,
I've had good luck restoring mid-to-late 30's Ford /Sheller steering wheels using a combination of super glue mixed with ground bakelite.
Cracks are V-ground (making sure I save the "dust"), then filled with said dust, CA glue, and more dust (before the CA is cured). Once the crack is filled, I wetsand with 600, 800, and 1500. If the repair is detectable, I paint with appropriate colored lacquer and wetsand, cut, polish, and buff.
Here's some work I did on a '36 Ford steering wheel;