u/-DoofusRick-

Hi!

I have 4 old negatives from around 1948-1949 with no markings anywhere, and using methods online to identify the type of film gets me nowhere. There's no smell, bubbling or specific color that shows degradation.

I found a burn test where you take a small strip (mine would be around 5mm wide and 5cm long), tape it to the inside of a mug and fill the mug with water only leaving a small bit above water. Whether it will burn under water would determine if it's nitrate or acetate (or polyester).

If I do this outside, place the mug in a stone bowl on a metal outside table, will it still be unsafe or am I about to do something really stupid?