Lot 026: Vintage Pelican Australian Timber Nut Bowl Set with Salt & Pepper Shakers

Description

A mid-century Australian multi-piece tableware set crafted from turned native hardwood. The group includes a heavy, circular nut bowl complete with a central anvil pedestal and its original matching timber and brass mallet. Accompanying the bowl is a pair of atomic-era, conical wood and brass-capped salt and pepper shakers. Key Details Manufacturer: Pelican (Stamped "GENUINE / PELICAN / GUARANTEED" on the base) Origin: Australia Material: Turned native hardwood, solid brass, and plastic internal elements Bowl Diameter: Approximately 22 cm (as seen in PXL_20260618_080555585.jpg and PXL_20260618_080544356.jpg) Components: 1x Nut bowl with integrated pedestal anvil, 1x Cracking mallet, 1x Salt shaker, 1x Pepper shaker Historical Facts During the mid-20th century, Australian boutique workshops like Pelican specialized in using high-quality native timbers—such as Mulga, Jarrah, and Blackwood—to create souvenir ware and domestic gifts. These turned wooden nut-cracking sets, designed to handle tough, hard-shelled local nuts like Macadamias, became iconic staples of mid-century Australian hosting culture. Intended Use Functional table centerpiece for serving and cracking seasonal nuts, vintage barware styling, or display within a collection of mid-century Australiana and native timber craftwork.

Condition Report

The wooden bowl exhibits significant wear, discolouration, and surface scratches consistent with use, particularly around the central cracking area. The brass components on the nutcracker mallet, central post, and shaker tops show tarnishing, scuffs, and areas of wear. Minor scuffs are present on the wooden shaker bodies.

Specifications