Still More Mulga

I wasn't actually planning to buy more mulga wood items but they just seem to keep popping up out of nowhere. I had decided that if I were to buy anymore, they would have to be in excellent condition and very reasonably priced. You would think that this would limit what I would find, but no it didn't. I have found pieces of mulga in excellent condition at both of the last two collectables events that I have attended. The prices were reasonable so they had to come home with me to be added to my growing collection of mulga wood.

The first items are a pair of small vases. I found these on a stall at the Banyo Swap Meet just over a week ago. It actually turns out that the stall holders had been next door neighbours of ours, probably 25 to 30 years ago. It's a small world, isn't it. This swap meet is only the second such event that I have ever attended and I must confess that I think I could easily get hooked on them. Although they are primarily put on to cater to the car enthusiast (this one was put on by the EJ & EH Holden Car Club), they do have a lot of collectables for sale as well. You seem to be more likely to get a bargain at these swap meets than at a designated "Antiques and Collectables" fair. The next swap meet I plan to attend will be the "Caboolture Swap Meet Show & Shine" on Saturday the 22nd of June at the Caboolture Show Grounds. This is just up the road from me so I should be able to easily make the 7.00am start. Just hope it isn't too cold. The low entry fee to most swap meets is also another added attraction. Most seem to only cost $3 to get in.

The pair of vases are labelled "AUSTRALIAN MULGA SOUTHERN SERIES". I hadn't encountered this brand before so I was happy to add this new brand to my collection.

The pair of "SOUTHERN SERIES" vases (just over 15cm high)
Photographed using flash.

Other side of the vases
Using flash again to bring out the rich reds of the mulga wood.

Underside of each vase showing the "AUSTRALIAN MULGA SOUTHERN SERIES" brand stickers

Same two vases using natural light only.
Notice the differences in the turning of each vase especially around the top rims.
No two pieces of mulga wood are ever the same.

Other side of the vases photographed in natural light.

Much browner in colour.

The next item of mulga wood was found last weekend at the Caloundra Antique & Collectables Show. When I first saw it I didn't even know what it was. I asked the dealer and he thought it may have been for holding rings on a ladies dressing table. It didn't look feminine enough to me for this purpose. I now believe it may be a desk tidy for something like pins or paperclips. Maybe someone can help me here to identify its actual purpose. This piece was obviously originally bought as a souvenir as it has "From Ulladulla" in gold lettering on it. Coincidentally, this piece is also labelled "AUSTRALIAN MULGA SOUTHERN SERIES". 

Small souvenir pin? dish with raised centre.
7 - 8cm in diameter

Souvenir  pin dish "From Ulladulla"

Underside of pin dish showing the "AUSTRALIAN MULGA SOUTHERN SERIES" brand sticker

When I concluded my last post on mulga wood I asked the question of "Will I buy any more mulga wood?". Well the answer has clearly proven to be yes but I am now definitely only looking for those special pieces in great condition.