Bestoys Furniture for Barbie and Sindy
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Barbie is an American lass and Sindy, thoroughly British, is four years younger than her American cousin.
Mattel, Inc. launched Barbie in New York in 1959 while Sindy came to be in 1963, created by Pedigree Dolls and Toys. In Australia, Barbie was introduced to the market by Kiddicraft (Aust) Pty Limited during the Melbourne Toy Fair on 18th April 1964. Jim Bonaretti immediately saw the potential in supplying a quality product that would keep Barbie and Sindy neat and tidy and provide them with a place to sleep. By 1965 he had developed a range of three items ready to be launched in 1966:
The “Contessa” was to become an award winner and one of the best sellers of the Bestoys range. |
Watch 1959 First EVER Barbie Commercial High-Quality HQ!
Uploaded to YouTube by BarbieCollectors this is the first ever Barbie TV commercial from 1959. Click on the link to learn all about Barbie's beginnings - most interesting. With sincere thanks to BarbieCollectors. |
October, 1966 at the Toys and Games Manufacturers Association of Australia (TAGMA). Alex Gast was the buyer of Bestoys' Victorian distributor, Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co Pty Ltd
"CONTESSA" WARDROBE (1965-1985)
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Utilising the revolutionary new Corinite – a high-pressure plastic laminate on hardboard or particle board – the "Contessa" was one of the few items that Bestoys supplied fully assembled.
Comprising three integrated sections: hanging wardrobe, fold-up bed, and mirrored dressing table, the superstructure (outside walls, top and bottom) was made of ⅜” or ½” Corinite laminated particle board while the two internal walls, the dresser shelves and the bed base were of sometimes-matching, sometimes-contrasting Corinite hardboard or particle board. The unit was mounted on two wooden feet. The two drawers of the dressing table were constructed along cabinet-making lines – apart from dovetailing – and were made of plain particleboard – sometimes plywood – and Masonite with a Corinite front that matched the wardrobe’s doors. The first mirrors were glass, then later plastic for safety, and early production had the mirror slotted in place at an angle. Later, the mirror would be fastened to the back wall, thus saving machine-grooving the walls. Internally, the wardrobe shelves were single-coat spray-painted hardboard, and a wire bar provided the means onto which to hook the miniature clothes hangers. The back was single-coat spray-painted Masonite or hardboard. Later, the wire bar was replaced with a wooden dowel. The knobs were made by utilising nylon chair glides. Later, goldtone aluminium domed spacers were used to keep the knobs straight. Originally, the wooden feet and all the edges of the Corinite hardboard and particle board were painted gold before assembly; gold added to its sophistication. All the parts were assembled in one operation using a jig and glued together with water-soluble PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue. The upright walls fitted into grooves on the top and bottom, while the shelves slotted into the uprights from the back before the backing board was fixed in place. The feet were nailed on before assembly, as were the doorknobs, and the drawers were made in another operation also using a small jig. The next phase was to apply the mirror and “Bestoys” label, add the matching drawers and thoroughly clean the completed wardrobe before slipping it into a carton. |
From Bestoys 1966 catalogue, introducing the "Contessa Combination". Note the fold-down leg to the bed and the slotted mirror. Initially, no spacers were added to the doorknobs.
A "Contessa Combination" find. Photographed in 2014. In this production, the mirror was fixed to the back and the fold-down leg to the bed was replaced with the bed-end extension - all done to save time and cost.
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 Inhouse photo of the proposed colour options for the best-selling "Contessa" Wardrobe - typical of the bright colours of the seventies.
In 1977, new colour options were added, in keeping with the new range of colours introduced to the entire range of painted products. Examples of this new "Contessa" option are shown below. (Sincere thanks to Fiona 😉)
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Inhouse photo from June 1977 showing colour option with and without Corinite.
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"Contessa" Wardrobe finds
Thousands of the “Contessa” were made and distributed throughout Australia in the two decades it was produced.
Quite a few of these have survived the 59+ intervening years. The following is one that came through this website.
Quite a few of these have survived the 59+ intervening years. The following is one that came through this website.
25th February, 2024
Fiona, located in eastern-central New South Wales, very kindly submitted the following text and photos of her "Contessa" Wardrobe. It was given to her as a child and her own daughter has played with it. Her son, when the time comes, would like it for his children to play with it - a third generation!
In her own words with her permission (with some minor editing) and with sincere thanks for reaching out to me:
Fiona, located in eastern-central New South Wales, very kindly submitted the following text and photos of her "Contessa" Wardrobe. It was given to her as a child and her own daughter has played with it. Her son, when the time comes, would like it for his children to play with it - a third generation!
In her own words with her permission (with some minor editing) and with sincere thanks for reaching out to me:
Attached are photos of my wardrobe. I loved my Barbies, so it had plenty of use. It was also played with by my own daughter. Now my adult son wants to keep it for his future children. I had a piece of foam on the bed for a mattress, and sheets and pillow that I made (I didn't include those in the photos).
...It was purchased at Bassingthwaighte's in Dubbo. I remember seeing it in Bassingthwaighte's and desperately wanting it. Then for Christmas, or maybe my birthday, I was lucky enough to unwrap it. I can't remember when, but it was probably Christmas in 1979 or birthday in 1980 I think. It would have been a fair bit of money...for my parents who didn't have much, but it's certainly had a lot of use, and held up very well.
(As an aside:)
In one of the photos I was looking at from your website, I also noticed little table and chairs (black metal frame) I had when I was a girl too. Until then, I had no idea they were made by the same place. These belonged to my older cousins before they were passed to me. My table and chairs still exist as well, though the back padding bit of the chairs used to keep falling off and is now gone. I've attached a photo of one of the chairs as well (the table and other chair are at my parents). It's a very sturdy, strong chair to stand on for painting walls 🙂.
...It was purchased at Bassingthwaighte's in Dubbo. I remember seeing it in Bassingthwaighte's and desperately wanting it. Then for Christmas, or maybe my birthday, I was lucky enough to unwrap it. I can't remember when, but it was probably Christmas in 1979 or birthday in 1980 I think. It would have been a fair bit of money...for my parents who didn't have much, but it's certainly had a lot of use, and held up very well.
(As an aside:)
In one of the photos I was looking at from your website, I also noticed little table and chairs (black metal frame) I had when I was a girl too. Until then, I had no idea they were made by the same place. These belonged to my older cousins before they were passed to me. My table and chairs still exist as well, though the back padding bit of the chairs used to keep falling off and is now gone. I've attached a photo of one of the chairs as well (the table and other chair are at my parents). It's a very sturdy, strong chair to stand on for painting walls 🙂.
Fiona's "Contessa" Wardrobe given to her as a child in 1979 or 1980 - still in excellent condition
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The little chair below would have been from the Bestoys "Kitchenette" Tables and Chairs set. The frame was made by Quality Wrought Iron, a factory which produced tens of thousands of these over the years.
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In her email Fiona mentions that the "Contessa" would have cost a fair bit of money. Research indicates that the average weekly wage for a male worker in 1980 was $275 per week. On the 1983 price list, the "Contessa" is listed as wholesaling for $26.96 plus 20% sales tax. Given that Bassingthwaighte's bought in bulk, thus earning a bulk-buying discount, and adding on freight and the usual 50% markup for toys, the possible retail price for this item in 1980 would have been around $40 - a substantial amount. Fiona adds that...
...My parents were, and still are, farmers. Around 1980 was during a very severe drought, so my parents' income would have been a lot less than that average... which makes it even more impressive that my parents bought [it] for me. Just as well I loved it. And it was obviously quality well worth the money.
It is a wonderful thing to know that this item is still being enjoyed and is a part of Australia's toy-making history. Thank you, Fiona, for looking after it and for your contribution to this page.
...My parents were, and still are, farmers. Around 1980 was during a very severe drought, so my parents' income would have been a lot less than that average... which makes it even more impressive that my parents bought [it] for me. Just as well I loved it. And it was obviously quality well worth the money.
It is a wonderful thing to know that this item is still being enjoyed and is a part of Australia's toy-making history. Thank you, Fiona, for looking after it and for your contribution to this page.
Another new style "Contessa"...
This ‘find’ was listed on Facebook Marketplace in December 2024 for (only) $25. It would have been manufactured after 1977 and before 1984 and appears to be in very good condition. In this example, the Bestoys logo is screen-printed on the backboard rather than being an applied sticker. With thanks to the seller and Facebook Marketplace. No infringement of copyright intended: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1797144314371990/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ada96dafe-8b9d-4730-932e-52eeb2df3684 
Bestoys "Contessa" Wardrobe offered on Facebook Marketplace in December 2024
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Bestoys "Contessa" Wardrobe offered on Facebook Marketplace in December 2024 - Below, with the bed opened
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One from 2014...
This “Contessa” Wardrobe was photographed 10th June, 2014 (no other information available, unfortunately.) The woodgrain colours appear to be Indian teak and eucalyptus.
This “Contessa” Wardrobe was photographed 10th June, 2014 (no other information available, unfortunately.) The woodgrain colours appear to be Indian teak and eucalyptus.
Another from 2021...
This ‘find’ was originally listed on Facebook Marketplace (August 2021) for $200 and, it too, appears to be Indian teak and eucalyptus however the date is wrong as the "Contessa" Wardrobe was not produced until late 1965 at the very earliest.
This ‘find’ was originally listed on Facebook Marketplace (August 2021) for $200 and, it too, appears to be Indian teak and eucalyptus however the date is wrong as the "Contessa" Wardrobe was not produced until late 1965 at the very earliest.
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The same one in 2022...
This was on Gumtree and listed on 22nd October, 2022 as Vintage ‘Bestoys 1960’s Barbie Timber Wardrobe
This was on Gumtree and listed on 22nd October, 2022 as Vintage ‘Bestoys 1960’s Barbie Timber Wardrobe
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While it is listed as being 1960s, it is from the late 1960s which had several modifications from the catalogue illustration when it was released. The mirror is attached to the back - not slid down grooves on the side walls; the bed does not have a hinged bed-end and the hanging rail behind the bed was discontinued in later models. Domed spacers behind the plastic knobs, too, were a later innovation. This particular example is made entirely of one colour: Indian teak.
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From a Barbie collector...
A Barbie collector showed this “Contessa” Wardrobe at its fully functional best. Many thanks to Rieckie Muchow and her Flickr photostream: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rieckie/6924530505/in/photostream/
A Barbie collector showed this “Contessa” Wardrobe at its fully functional best. Many thanks to Rieckie Muchow and her Flickr photostream: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rieckie/6924530505/in/photostream/
From Rieckie Muchow and her Flickr photostream with thanks
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On eBay May, 2023...
Another good example of the "Contessa" Wardrobe coming though in excellent condition.
This example was most likely manufactured early on, possibly between 1966 and 1968. It still features the mirror slotted into the side walls, no spacing on the doorknobs and the "Bestoys" label is of an early PVC type. The later "Bestoys" labels were die-cut gold foil paper.
Another good example of the "Contessa" Wardrobe coming though in excellent condition.
This example was most likely manufactured early on, possibly between 1966 and 1968. It still features the mirror slotted into the side walls, no spacing on the doorknobs and the "Bestoys" label is of an early PVC type. The later "Bestoys" labels were die-cut gold foil paper.
The eBay listing of May 2023
"Contess" Wardrobe - c1966-68. Corinite colours are possibly fir (pinkish woodgrain) and redwood (redish woodgrain), edges painted in gold
The wooden footings and all the edges of the Corinite boards finished in spray-painted gold lacquer - much of this has worn away
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Brown ¾" plastic chair glides used as doorknobs but without goldtone metal ferrule spacers
The inside of the drop-down bed shows that Corinite had been finished in fir on one side and a neutral patterned grey on the other.
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Body of the wardrobe made using redwood-colour Corinite
Inside of the wardrobe showing the back spray-painted in yellow, a shelf and a rod for the clothes hangers
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Drawer fronts made in matching fir-coloured Corinite with ½" brown plastic chair glides
The back of the wardrobe shows raw, unfinished Masonite - only the smooth face was spray-painted
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Inside the drawers show they have been made using ⅜" plywood frame and Corinited laminated hardboard base in silverwood colour. It was usual to utilise offcuts wherever possible
"Bestoys" label, red and black printed on white permanent self-adhesive PVC stock
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Many thanks to the seller for these pictures and details.
On Facebook Marketplace July 2023 - 2 Contessa Wardrobes!
These two examples of the "Contessa" Wardrobe show the subtle changes in the manufacturing process over the years.
The "Contessa" on the left is older than the one on the right.
These two examples of the "Contessa" Wardrobe show the subtle changes in the manufacturing process over the years.
The "Contessa" on the left is older than the one on the right.
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While this "Contessa" Wardrobe has sustained some serious damage, it still is holding together quite well, attesting to the design and workmanship involved in making a 'toy'.
The colour of the woodgrain Corinite appears to be elm. |
With thanks to the Sellers and Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright.
On eBay November, 2023...
This offering of the "Contessa" Wardrobe is in very poor condition however, because of the excellent images provided, it shows how the item is constructed and what materials are used.
This offering of the "Contessa" Wardrobe is in very poor condition however, because of the excellent images provided, it shows how the item is constructed and what materials are used.
"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023
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The ad as it appeared on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/196068179909?hash=item2da692ffc5:g:1LYAAOSwYldlLjpo&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4K9VRWP%2FX5bzhQr8dyFI953C6JcIzoNUVgvAHRrq3WxfFPijHjH0RSmnzUpOrMzcMsbTHBWAtqe99UFisBZDXGp3Wl7JaaoT6j%2F1p3Ch%2BWmfDHtwZ8vWO%2F33TQIgVWbWMaju0QrbZmn0PPPXJWI0jMqrsA6%2B%2B9y7QwxQQiauSLNlBRQLSZK9iQeI69oQfJcmErccu5u%2Ffuluu73IgA%2Fr0J4Iie1lgS9Ad4evPdpGQ5QtIyqi19K6HNV8HB30zYp%2BnHTfjxVHJV37lb4yzmk5R1MpzRFd7mxR9RjfaqmrqbQg%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5CO9rn1Yg The description read: Not going to lie this wardrobe has seen better days. By the Bestoys brand this was sold as a Barbie or Sindy doll wardrobe. The bed drops down and the drawers are intact. The doors are stiff to move as some of the channeling is missing ... Mirror has a few minor blemishes ... |
"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023
This example was most likely manufactured late 1960s or early 1970s. The mirror is fixed to the back and the knobs on the doors have gold-coloured spacers. The missing "Bestoys" label appears to have been of the later die-cut gold foil paper. The superstructure is made of ⅜” or ½” Corinite laminated particle board with the raw edges spray-painted in gold-coloured lacquer. The two internal walls and the doors are made of 3/16" Corinite laminated hardboard, the edges have been rounded on the router and left unpainted.
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"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 - opened
Here, the bed is in the open position and the doors opened to show the interior of the hanging space. The bed is missing its headboard. The Corinite woodgrain colours used in this example are quite a mixture: Indian teak for the facing panels, silverwood for the superstructure and oak for the inside of the bed. The back and the shelving are one-pass spray-painted in pastel yellow, and the hanging rod is galvanised steel wire.
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"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 - detail of damage to the base
This detail of the damage to the base of the superstructure clearly shows the material used: ⅜” or ½” Corinite laminated particle board. The edges are spray-painted in gold-coloured lacquer. The damage has been caused by impact, not by the absorption of water.
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"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 - detail of damage to the top
As with the base, this detail of the damage clearly shows the material used: ⅜” or ½” Corinite laminated particle board. The edges are spray-painted in gold-coloured lacquer.
"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 showing the underside of the superstructure
This shows the wooden feet. They are made of spray-painted gold-colour radiata pine. The leading edge is rounded using a belt-sander. Also visible is the wooden stopper attached to the top to prevent the bed from being pushed too far in.
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"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 - bed open
This detail shows the materials used in the bed: the headboard(s) are ⅜” or ½” Corinite laminated particle board and the base ⅜” Corinite laminated hardboard. In this case, the manufacturer of Corinite fused two sheets of 3/16" hardboard together, hence the oak woodgrain on the inside and Indian teak on the outside. The dome pin on the bed end served to cotter the bed in place.
"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 showing the top of the superstructure
Only two nails are used to secure the top in place, and these are covered by dome pins.
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"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 - detail of damage to the bed
The different woodgrain colours - oak and silverwood - can be seen.
"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 showing the back
The back is made of Masonite or hardboard, and is spray-pained in pastel yellow in a single coat. It is attached to the superstructure by staples applied with a pneumatic staple gun.
Sindy accessories that would have been kept in the drawers. From https://www.oursindymuseum.com/about/ with thanks
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"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 - detail showing mirror fixed to the back and adhesive residue of long-gone "Bestoys" label
In this image, the mirror is fixed to the back and the shelves and uprights made of 3/16" Corinite laminated hardboard, the edges of which have been rounded and left unpainted.
"Contessa" Wardrobe offered on eBay November 2023 showing the drawers
The two drawers show how the drawers are made: the front of Corinite particle board to match the doors, the base of Masonite, the sides of plywood.
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On Facebook Marketplace March, 2024...
Another example of the "Contessa" Wardrobe. The Corinite appears to be mahogany woodgrain with a lighter woodgrain superstructure. The mirror is not original as they did not have a frame however, everything else seems to be as manufactured. Overall, in excellent vintage condition and good value for the asking price.
Another example of the "Contessa" Wardrobe. The Corinite appears to be mahogany woodgrain with a lighter woodgrain superstructure. The mirror is not original as they did not have a frame however, everything else seems to be as manufactured. Overall, in excellent vintage condition and good value for the asking price.
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This fine example of Bestoys "Contessa" Wardrobe was advertised by Splinter Jim on Facebook Marketplace in February, 2025. The photos accompanying ads like these give an excellent idea of how Bestoys made its products, more so than a single catalogue photo would. This offering features the superstructure of Indian teak (possibly verbena teak) and bleached walnut. The mirror is fixed to the backboard and the Bestoys label is of the newer, gold foil paper type.
With sincere thanks to the Seller, Splinter Jim, and to Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1345594980200878/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ac8ad1c65-f01b-401d-9dc8-cf7941d810f6 |
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Bestoys "Contessa" Wardrobe advertised on Facebook Marketplace in February 2025
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Detail of Bestoys "Contessa" Wardrobe advertised on Facebook Marketplace in February 2025
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Bestoys "Contessa" Wardrobe advertised on Facebook Marketplace in February 2025
Masonite backboard of the Bestoys "Contessa" Wardrobe advertised on Facebook Marketplace in February 2025
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Barbie, Sindy and company
This is an excellent site that links it to another excellent site if you want to know everything about Barbie, Sindy et al: https://dollsdollsdolls.net/2016/07/18/the-history-of-barbie-in-australia-the-early-years And another fabulous website covering everything you ever wanted to know about Sindy: https://www.oursindymuseum.com/about/ |
"VANITY" WARDROBE - 1965-1969
This was the less extravagant version for Barbie, doing away with the folding bed and was made using the same materials and processes as the larger “Contessa”. It was produced from late 1965 and discontinued by 1969.
From Bestoys 1966 catalogue
BEDROOM SUITE - 1965-1966
Only in production for 1966, this complete matching bedroom suite for Barbie and Sindy included a wardrobe, dressing table and bed packed in a carton that opened out to form the walls and floor of a bedroom.
The catalogue’s description says it all however its sales were overwhelming eclipsed by the “Contessa” Wardrobe and consequently was discontinued by 1967.
The catalogue’s description says it all however its sales were overwhelming eclipsed by the “Contessa” Wardrobe and consequently was discontinued by 1967.
From Bestoys 1966 catalogue
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