Monthly Archives: August 2014

Douglas Snelling Sideboard – Functional Products Pty Ltd

Of late there have been some really great ‘Snelling’ pieces available online. So much so I thought it was about time I shared a few pictures of pieces I’ve come across in my time. Some I still have in my collection, other’s I have moved onto great homes where they are appreciated and adored – not to mentioned used, everyday – making them a truly functional piece of furniture, even 60 years on!

The first is a 6 foot sideboard.

Douglas Snelling 1950's Sideboard
Beautiful Australian Mid Century Sideboard

The story of how I ended up acquiring it I’ll save for another day, but it definitely was the most challenging set of circumstances I’ve ever had to deal with.

1950's Mid Century Australian Sideboard
Douglas Snelling Sideboard

These sideboards were available in a variety of sizes and combinations (glass/doors/drawers). I’ve only seen one other thus far in the 6 foot version (in a Carters Everything Vintage book).

Great 1950's Australian manufactured sideboard.
Angled drawers of a Snelling Sideboard.

4 drawers to the left, double glass sliding doors to the middle and a single hinged timber door to the right provide beautiful proportions whilst still maintaining a great deal of functionality for everyday use.

Functional Products sideboard - circa 1950
Top view of a Snelling Sideboard. Amazing grain.

As you can see from the images, the Sideboard is in amazing condition, it didn’t get there by itself though! Various chips to the amazing Queensland maple veneer, a few loose joints and 60 years of grime had all taken it’s toll and did make it look a little tired – Enter ‘M’ the new owner – With a wealth of restoration experience ‘M’ undertook a sympathetic restoration, not to make it new again, but rather to give it a fresh breath of life to see it through the next 60 years, and what a great job he did.

Loose joints were re-glued and clamped, chips to the veneer were matched so perfectly I even forgot where they originally were! The yellow backing was given a wash and the original lacquer hand sanded ever so lightly with a new coating then being applied. The result – spectacular.

Be sure to check back, more Snelling related posts in the coming months!

Shine Your Shoe?

Picked up this little shoe shine box a few weeks ago from a recycle centre.  I was almost going to keep on walking but there was something about it that just had me intrigued.

Perhaps it was it’s simple construction, or the ever popular teal blue colour it is painted. It’s well worn and would of had a countless number of shoes polished on it. I don’t really think it would have been used for a source of income, however you never know? Maybe that’s where the intrigue (for me anyways) comes from.

Best things about it? It’s still as functional today as it was 30 – 50 years ago! Simply to tie your shoelace and save your back, or for a good polish this piece will slide straight into your entry hallway, back veranda, sit at your front/back door!

Shine your shoe?
Cute little shoe shine box.

Auction Watch # 11 – 1950’s Parker Sideboard

Search eBay for ‘Parker Sideboard Display Cupboard’ and you’ll come across the following –

Maple 1950's Buffet
Mid Century Sideboard

Although it’s touted as being from the 1960’s, it actually dates from 1953. I like it, beautiful Queensland maple, angled lines, concave handles and yellow backing in the display section is so typical of the Australian Mid Century era.

Yes, there is a little damage, however with a little time and effort it would come up great, and all at a very reasonable price too!