Description

Gay Ware Canister Green Sugar 1950s Australia Harlequin Pierwood Fethalite

This canister is in good condition with only 2 chips on the inside rim of the lid. Please see pictures.

The lid fits well and is cream with a very subtle water wave or marble effect in the finish. See second last picture.

This Gay Ware Canister Green Sugar was part of a set in different colours (Harlequin) which was very popular in the 1950s. I have also seen a full green set of canisters on the internet.

Sizes: 19cm tall with lid x 15cm wide at top and 11.5cm wide at base.

Weight: 280g

May people attribute these canisters to Nally, but they were actually made by Pierwood Plastics of Sydney.

Pierwood Plastics Company, operated in Sydney from 1950-1965. They produced plastics under the name Gay Plastics and ‘Gay Ware’. Their range with the iconic raised lettering included canisters, spice canisters with rack, cheese and butter dishes, jam, honey and sugar pots, salt & pepper shakers, bread and cake keepers, scone bins, salt cellars and tea dispensers. They also produced mixing bowls and screw top jars.

They appear to have used a plastic called Fethalite, very similar to Bakelite, to make there home wares and also produced a large range of toys which are very collectable, including dolls and spaceships.

For more on early Australian Plastic Makers see my article Bakelite Canisters and Bessemer Plates: Vintage Australian Plastic Makers