From the beginning of any printed information available in the Bestoys catalogues, Bestoys has had a doll’s cot, cradle or crib as part of its range. These were always made to suit a doll (or Teddy) of up to 24” (61 cm).
This page not only shows the history of Bestoys Cots, Cradles and Cribs but also those that have been listed on the internet as "Finds".
This page not only shows the history of Bestoys Cots, Cradles and Cribs but also those that have been listed on the internet as "Finds".
1959
COT and CRADLE COMBINATION
In 1959, a rocking cradle was combined with folding legs that quickly and easily converted it to a standing cot. It was called simply, “DOLLS COT and CRADLE”.
This was listed in the S. Hoffnung & Co Limited catalogue of 1959
Eventually, with the expansion of the cradle range, this became known as the “COMBINATION DOLLS COT and CRADLE” and, ultimately, simply “COMBI COT and CRADLE”.
From Bestoys 1965 catalogue
From Bestoys 1973 catalogue
From Bestoys 1968 Catalogue
The Bestoys logo printed in 2 colours on gold foil, die-cut, permanent adhesive paper from c1966.
The bed ends were made of hardboard cut initially on a bandsaw and later on a router with a straight-cut bit, the edges smoothed off using a belt sander. The rails were made of 1¼” x ¾” radiata pine drilled on a multi-head drill and fitted with 4 timber dowels. The base was a panel of 3/16” Masonite that slotted into the grooves on the bottom rails. The folding leg assembly was made of 1¼” x ¾” radiata pine fitted with dowels that were finished off with round vinyl plastic caps, usually white.
All parts were painted separately prior to assembly, first with a white undercoat, hand-sanded smooth then finished with a lead-free lacquer, offered in two colour combinations – pink or blue. The pink combo had red dowels (legs and railings) and the blue combo, dark blue. A stencil was used to spray the heart to one side of each bed end in matching red or dark blue after which a wet-application transfer was applied inside the heart. Most of these transfers were from Selex Decal Pty Ltd.
All parts were painted separately prior to assembly, first with a white undercoat, hand-sanded smooth then finished with a lead-free lacquer, offered in two colour combinations – pink or blue. The pink combo had red dowels (legs and railings) and the blue combo, dark blue. A stencil was used to spray the heart to one side of each bed end in matching red or dark blue after which a wet-application transfer was applied inside the heart. Most of these transfers were from Selex Decal Pty Ltd.
In 1967 the red and dark blue trim was changed to gold and the bed ends were cut on the new Watkin router using a double-round bit eliminating the necessity of sanding the edges. A new “Bestoys” sticker was used. It was die-cut, embossed gold-foil paper and printed in two colours with permanent adhesive backing. This type of label was used up until 1985.
All the paints and inks used by Bestoys were guaranteed lead-free and were supplied mainly by Phoenix Lacquer of Bankstown (http://www.phoenixlacquersandpaints.com.au/index.php), Pylon Chemicals of Botany (https://www.pylon.com.au/) and St Marys Thinners.
This cot was one of the first items available as a flat-pack and was easy to assemble with all screws and washers included. The screws and cup washers were nickel-plated. There was no nailing or gluing required, only a slotted screwdriver.
As with almost all of the Bestoys range at that time, Jim applied to register his designs to make sure his competitors could not copy them. Up until 1962 the catalogue carried the notice this cot and cradle: REGISTERED DESIGN PATENTS APPLIED
All the paints and inks used by Bestoys were guaranteed lead-free and were supplied mainly by Phoenix Lacquer of Bankstown (http://www.phoenixlacquersandpaints.com.au/index.php), Pylon Chemicals of Botany (https://www.pylon.com.au/) and St Marys Thinners.
This cot was one of the first items available as a flat-pack and was easy to assemble with all screws and washers included. The screws and cup washers were nickel-plated. There was no nailing or gluing required, only a slotted screwdriver.
As with almost all of the Bestoys range at that time, Jim applied to register his designs to make sure his competitors could not copy them. Up until 1962 the catalogue carried the notice this cot and cradle: REGISTERED DESIGN PATENTS APPLIED
Vintage "Combination" Cot and Cradle finds
Several of these Combi Cot and Cradles have turned up over the years. These two examples were found on Gumtree.
The pink cot was listed on 16th March, 2021, and would date before 1968 and possibly as early as 1964 as claimed by the seller. It was located in Mermaid Waters, Queensland and the asking price was $30.00
The blue cot was listed on 12th January, 2021. It, too, despite the Bestoys catalogue from 1969 listed next to it, would date before 1968 after which the bed ends were cut by double-round router bit, unlike this example which were cut by bandsaw or straight router bit. This item was located in Toowoomba, Queensland, its price was $30.00 as well.
Both the blue and the pink cots have the vinyl, square-cut label, which had been phased out by around 1968.
Both items have lost their swivel legs, and both are play-worn but still holding firm after all the years of usage.
The blue cot was listed on 12th January, 2021. It, too, despite the Bestoys catalogue from 1969 listed next to it, would date before 1968 after which the bed ends were cut by double-round router bit, unlike this example which were cut by bandsaw or straight router bit. This item was located in Toowoomba, Queensland, its price was $30.00 as well.
Both the blue and the pink cots have the vinyl, square-cut label, which had been phased out by around 1968.
Both items have lost their swivel legs, and both are play-worn but still holding firm after all the years of usage.
Another, later model, "Combi" Cot and Cradle was listed on Gumtree on 6th August, 2021 from Toronto in New South Wales. The asking price was $10.00 and negotiable.
Because of the new style bed ends and the gold trim (rather than dark blue or red), this item was most likely produced after 1968 and before circa 1973.
Found on Facebook Marketplace in March, 2024, this doll's cradle has all the indications that this is a Bestoys "Combination" Cot and Cradle most likely produced between 1959 and 1967 because of the shape of the headboards.
As can be seen in the photos where the paint has flaked off, the material used was hardboard. The railings, having only 4 uprights, is another indication that this is indeed, a Bestoys product. The lower railing shows two screws on both sides. These would have accommodated the swivel legs – now long gone – and in their place, a brace has been fitted. These braces ware not required as the base slotted into grooves along the lower railings. In any case, the wide of these braces is an overkill and Bestoys would have used a much narrower length of timber. Another indication that this is out the Bestoys factory, apart from the shape of the headboards, is that the timber used, in the railings, dowlings and base all match what would have been used in production. (With thanks to Marketplace and the Seller.)
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1182263516068751/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Abb967f57-c618-477a-9db4-5804c32831db
As can be seen in the photos where the paint has flaked off, the material used was hardboard. The railings, having only 4 uprights, is another indication that this is indeed, a Bestoys product. The lower railing shows two screws on both sides. These would have accommodated the swivel legs – now long gone – and in their place, a brace has been fitted. These braces ware not required as the base slotted into grooves along the lower railings. In any case, the wide of these braces is an overkill and Bestoys would have used a much narrower length of timber. Another indication that this is out the Bestoys factory, apart from the shape of the headboards, is that the timber used, in the railings, dowlings and base all match what would have been used in production. (With thanks to Marketplace and the Seller.)
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1182263516068751/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Abb967f57-c618-477a-9db4-5804c32831db
(Most likely) Bestoys "Combination" Cot and Cradle found on Marketplace March, 2024
Detail of (Most likely) Bestoys "Combination" Cot and Cradle found on Marketplace March, 2024
(Most likely) Bestoys "Combination" Cot and Cradle found on Marketplace March, 2024
(Most likely) Bestoys "Combination" Cot and Cradle found on Marketplace March, 2024
Underside of (most likely) Bestoys "Combination" Cot and Cradle found on Marketplace March, 2024, showing braces replacing swivel legs
Hardboard showing under flaked paint on (most likely) Bestoys "Combination" Cot and Cradle found on Marketplace March, 2024
While there is very little detail in the ad for this doll's cot, the shape of the headboards, the pencil-rounded timber stretchers and having only four dowels on each side, all indicate that this is a Bestoys product, "Combination" Cot and Cradle, albeit missing the folding legs. It would have been manufactured between 1959 and 1967 as the other example above. This item was listed in February, 2025.
With thanks to the seller and to Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1148823940089371/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ae4b30aee-d3ba-4b0c-b5e6-140f9f5cc713
With thanks to the seller and to Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1148823940089371/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ae4b30aee-d3ba-4b0c-b5e6-140f9f5cc713
Listed on Facebook Marketplace in December 2024, this example of Bestoys "Combi" Cot and Cradle is from the same era as the pink one above being most likely produced after 1968 and before circa 1973. This example, too, has gold spray-painted stencilled hearts on the bed ends and gold trimming to the side rails. It still retains its swivel legs but lost the legs' nylon end caps.
With sincere thanks to the seller and Facebook Marketplace. No infringement of copyright intended: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1972848666528284/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Aa84b0518-0e11-4c7a-a484-0c99c90aed77
With sincere thanks to the seller and Facebook Marketplace. No infringement of copyright intended: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1972848666528284/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Aa84b0518-0e11-4c7a-a484-0c99c90aed77
Bestoys "Combi" Cot and Cradle found on Facebook Marketplace December 2024
Bestoys "Combi" Cot and Cradle found on Facebook Marketplace December 2024
1964-1965
It wasn’t until 1964 that new range of doll’s cots and cradles was introduced. Those were:
- “PRINCESS ANN” COT and CRADLE
- “FAIRY” DROP SIDE COT and
- “SUSANNE” DROP SIDE COT
"PRINCESS ANN" COT and CRADLE
From Bestoys 1965 catalogue
From Bestoys 1967 catalogue
Giving another nod to the Royal Family (even with dropping the ‘e’ from ‘Anne’), this combination cot and cradle was the de luxe version of that still being produced in pink or blue.
Now fully set up with silkscreen printing facilities – from designing, stencil-cutting and printing – Jim saw the potential in replacing spray-on stencilled patterns with printed silk-screened designs. The “Princess Ann” took the best-selling Combination Cot and Cradle and produced it in one base colour – white. He lavishly decorated it with gold-painted dowels and even the base was uplifted with a covering of yellow quilted vinyl to simulate a mattress. But the real difference was the swan design on the bed ends, screen printed in two colours: gold and black.
(Silkscreen printing is also known as serigraphy and serigraph printing.)
In 1967, the applied vinyl base was replaced with a panel of gold-painted ‘harlequin’ embossed hardboard and by 1968, “Princess Ann” Cot and Cradle had been discontinued.
Now fully set up with silkscreen printing facilities – from designing, stencil-cutting and printing – Jim saw the potential in replacing spray-on stencilled patterns with printed silk-screened designs. The “Princess Ann” took the best-selling Combination Cot and Cradle and produced it in one base colour – white. He lavishly decorated it with gold-painted dowels and even the base was uplifted with a covering of yellow quilted vinyl to simulate a mattress. But the real difference was the swan design on the bed ends, screen printed in two colours: gold and black.
(Silkscreen printing is also known as serigraphy and serigraph printing.)
In 1967, the applied vinyl base was replaced with a panel of gold-painted ‘harlequin’ embossed hardboard and by 1968, “Princess Ann” Cot and Cradle had been discontinued.
Vintage "Princess Ann" find
Found on Facebook's Marketplace in October 2023, this "Princess Ann" cot is in excellent condition for its age. It features the applied vinyl mattress base dating its manufacture to between 1964 and 1967. Worth the $20 asked for it 😉.
"Princess Ann" Combination Cot and Cradle made between 1964 and 1967 offered on Facebook's Marketplace in October 2023
"FAIRY" DROP SIDE COT
From Bestoys 1965 catalogue
The “Fairy” Drop Side Cot was short lived, produced only between 1964 and 1965. Made of solid timber and hardboard, it had several cabinet-making features that added to its cost: a wooden frame into which was inserted a hardboard headboard and a decorative hardboard heart applied to the rails. This item was strongly constructed but sales did not achieve expectations.
Interesting find... very interesting...
While not purporting to be vintage, or made by Bestoys, this drop-side cot has all the features of the Bestoys "Fairy" Drop Side Cot produced between 1964 and 1965 detailed above, even to the number of rails (4) and the type of timber used. The overall measurements are fairly close as well: 45 cm high (18½” = 47 cm); 64 cm long (25½” = 65 cm); 33 cm wide (13 = 33 cm). If this example is a contemporary copy, it illustrates how effective Jim Bonaretti's designs were.
With thanks to Facebook Marketplace and the Seller and with no intention to infringe copy right. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/415798634635849/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ac58374fb-8ea9-4af2-96c9-d1644d8fa86d
With thanks to Facebook Marketplace and the Seller and with no intention to infringe copy right. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/415798634635849/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ac58374fb-8ea9-4af2-96c9-d1644d8fa86d
Large Doll's Cot similar to Bestoys "Fairy" Drop Side Cot advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace in June 2024
Large Doll's Cot similar to Bestoys "Fairy" Drop Side Cot advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace in June 2024
"SUSANNE" DROP SIDE COT
1965
1966
1973
1978
1982-1983
This cot proved to be one of the best sellers of the entire Bestoys range. Introduced in 1965, it was still in the production in 1985, albeit with a number of subtle changes.
The “Susanne”, like the “Princess Ann”, was launched with screen-printed decoration and featured a simple yet effective sliding rail to allow easy access to the inside of the cot. It was spray painted white with gold dowels and the cot ends were silkscreened to ‘assimilate wood carved antique finish’. In 1973, the design was changed to a stork with a baby bundle; in 1978 to a pair of birds. By 1982, the design once again changed to a child in a clown suit on the front end and the child readying for bed on the back. This was the first time designs on the ends differed.
The “Susanne”, like the “Princess Ann”, was launched with screen-printed decoration and featured a simple yet effective sliding rail to allow easy access to the inside of the cot. It was spray painted white with gold dowels and the cot ends were silkscreened to ‘assimilate wood carved antique finish’. In 1973, the design was changed to a stork with a baby bundle; in 1978 to a pair of birds. By 1982, the design once again changed to a child in a clown suit on the front end and the child readying for bed on the back. This was the first time designs on the ends differed.
1966
By the early 1960s, an exciting new building material was being used everywhere – on walls, in kitchens and caravans, and upmarket furniture: Corinite®.
To read more about Corinite and its development, click here:
This was the perfect material for use in children’s nursery furniture. But it had one draw-back: the coating that was applied to make it maintenance-free and easily cleaned also meant that applying decorative motifs was almost impossible: spray-painting lacquers and normal screen-printing inks would not adhere to it and there was some issue with the long-term adhesion of wet-application transfers.
Jim worked closely with his ink manufacturers and Pylon Chemicals and came up with a product that filled all the necessary criteria: scratch-resistant, easy to work, did not damage silk screens and was non-toxic.
Now Jim could use this modern Corinite laminated material that was easy to cut and decorate and needed minimal finishing and decoration.
In 1966, Jim began making use of this extraordinary material and, by 1967, had effectively doubled the Bestoys range by offering almost all it in Corinite as well as the traditional spray-painted finish.
Jim worked closely with his ink manufacturers and Pylon Chemicals and came up with a product that filled all the necessary criteria: scratch-resistant, easy to work, did not damage silk screens and was non-toxic.
Now Jim could use this modern Corinite laminated material that was easy to cut and decorate and needed minimal finishing and decoration.
In 1966, Jim began making use of this extraordinary material and, by 1967, had effectively doubled the Bestoys range by offering almost all it in Corinite as well as the traditional spray-painted finish.
1967
"FAIRY" DROP SIDE COT (New)
The first of this new Corinite-finish range was the (new) “FAIRY” DROP SIDE COT.
From Bestoys 1967 catalogue
This was Bestoys' best-selling “Susanne” Drop Side Cot made using ⅜” Corinite hardboard and decorated with wet-application transfers. The railings on the “Susanne” were replaced with solid panels of Corinite and the only spray-painting was in gold and to the timber rails and Masonite base.
"CAPRICE" COT and CRADLE
The second was the “CAPRICE” COT and CRADLE.
As with the “Fairy”-“Susanne” transition, the “Caprice” was the Combination Cot and Cradle made using ⅜” Corinite hardboard and decorated also with wet-application transfers. The railings, too, were replaced with solid panels of Corinite as were the swivel foot assemblies. The only spray-painting was in gold and to the timber rails and Masonite base.
From Bestoys 1967 catalogue
Vintage "Caprice" Cot and Cradle find
This discovery was made on Facebook Marketplace in September 2025. It is a version of the Bestoys “Caprice” Cot and Cradle made only in 1967 using the new material “Corinite” laminated on hardboard before it was again changed the following year. This limited version featured the same profile-cut “Corinite” side panels as the revamped “Susanne” Drop Side Cot of the same year. This particular example differs from the catalogue illustration having silk-screened motifs on the side-panels and (presumably) the headboards, rather than the wet-application transfers. Because the coating applied by the laminating process meant that the transfers would not adhere permanently, this caused many difficulties in production. After much research with Pylon Chemicals, a suitable ink was developed to adhere to the laminated surfaces – as shown on this example. The swivel legs also, were made of profile-cut “Corinite” laminated hardboard.
The woodgrain pattern illustrated is silverwood and originally the timber rails and pressed harlequin hardboard base would have been spray-painted gold.
This is a nice example of a product that had a very limited production run in 1967.
With sincere thanks to the seller and to Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1080195294270452/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A7a823b29-4fed-4590-864b-613cba606192
The woodgrain pattern illustrated is silverwood and originally the timber rails and pressed harlequin hardboard base would have been spray-painted gold.
This is a nice example of a product that had a very limited production run in 1967.
With sincere thanks to the seller and to Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1080195294270452/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A7a823b29-4fed-4590-864b-613cba606192
Bestoys 1967 "Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace in September 2025
Enhanced illustration of the floral swag on the side panel of Bestoys 1967 "Caprice" Cot and Cradle
Bestoys 1967 "Caprice" Cot and Cradle
Bestoys 1967 "Caprice" Cot and Cradle
Bestoys 1967 "Caprice" Cot and Cradle
1968
After the successful development of screen-printing inks that would adhere to Corinite, the decoration to both the “Fairy” Drop Side Cot and the “Caprice” Cot and Cradle was changed from transfers to screen-print. The same design was used for both.
Another change to both was the return to using dowels on the side railings and foot assemblies.
Both the “Fairy” and the “Caprice” were offered in a wide range of Corinite’s woodgrain colours, from the pale eucalyptus, beech and oak through to maple and the darker teak and walnut, and many shades in between.
Another change to both was the return to using dowels on the side railings and foot assemblies.
Both the “Fairy” and the “Caprice” were offered in a wide range of Corinite’s woodgrain colours, from the pale eucalyptus, beech and oak through to maple and the darker teak and walnut, and many shades in between.
From Bestoys 1968 catalogue
From Bestoys 1968 catalogue
Vintage "Caprice" Cot and Cradle find
This "Caprice" Cot and Cradle was offered for sale on eBay in August, 2021 for $55.00, located in Canungra, Queensland. Also missing its swivel legs, it is still holding together and appears to have has a coat of paint; the original railing would have been sprayed in lead-free gold lacquer. The silk-screened bird motifs have not worn off thanks to the development of the special ink by Peter Pajor of Pylon Chemicals and Jim Bonaretti. The colour of the Corinite bed ends is mahogany and are of ¼" Corinite hardboard. There would have been a "Bestoys" rocket and moon sticker between the two birds at the bottom. This item would have been manufactured between 1968 and 1973.
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
"Caprice" Cot and Cradle offered on eBay August 2021 from 1968-1973
By 1968 the “Princess Ann” Cot and Cradle had been discontinued.
1969
'LULLABYE' CRADLE
A new cradle was added to the four in production: the “Lullabye” Cradle.
This elegant design featured a tulle veil that draped from the arm, which was finished with a pretty sprig of plastic flowers to keep the veil from slipping off.
The "Lullabye" Cradle was initially available in pink or blue.
This elegant design featured a tulle veil that draped from the arm, which was finished with a pretty sprig of plastic flowers to keep the veil from slipping off.
The "Lullabye" Cradle was initially available in pink or blue.
1969
1970
By 1973, the “Lullabye” was only available in white with gold trim.
1973
1978-1981
c1982
The “Lullabye” became a best-seller and continued to be produced until 1985.
The range of Bestoys cots and cradles remained at 5 until 1973.
The range of Bestoys cots and cradles remained at 5 until 1973.
Vintage "Lullabye" Cradle finds
With its tulle veil still intact, this example of the "Lullabye" Cradle was found on Facebook Marketplace on 26th August, 2024. It shows the white and gold finish that became standard after 1973 until 1985. A very good item despite some minor damage to the bottom of the bed-end.
With thanks to the seller and Marketplace - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1420264638666337/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A439eec82-6e41-40ec-9d15-34a5e9f9cd37
With thanks to the seller and Marketplace - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1420264638666337/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A439eec82-6e41-40ec-9d15-34a5e9f9cd37
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle on Facebook Marketplace August, 2024
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle on Facebook Marketplace August, 2024
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle on Facebook Marketplace August, 2024
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle on Facebook Marketplace August, 2024
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle on Facebook Marketplace August, 2024
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle on Facebook Marketplace August, 2024
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle on Facebook Marketplace August, 2024
Proving Bestoys products are collectable, this example of the "Lullabye" Cradle was discovered high on a shelf in the long-established antiques and collectables centre, Southern Antiques, located at 245 Princes Highway (on the corner of English Street), Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia. (https://southernantiques.sydney/pages/about-us)
It was found on Monday, 28th February, 2022, unpriced, assembled incorrectly and had lost its veil and arm but was still in very good condition. The owner of Southern Antiques was informed of the cradle's history and age and seemed very appreciative of the information.
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle. Because the brand name is screen-printed rather than having an applied adhesive label, this item is most likely from the early 80s rather than from 1969
Southern Antiques is a unique, well-established, community based emporium. Our boutique like atmosphere with over 30 dealers welcomes you into a nostalgic and comforting space focussing on a diverse range of furniture, jewellery, collectables, linen, toys, vintage clothes, radios, mid-century glassware and pottery.
Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday, Sunday 9am - 5pm
Contact them - They'd love to hear from you about their products and services or anything vintage
Email info@southernantiques.sydney
Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday, Sunday 9am - 5pm
Contact them - They'd love to hear from you about their products and services or anything vintage
Email info@southernantiques.sydney
Another visit to Southern Antiques on 10th September, 2022 indicated some research had been undertaken and a value given... All that's left now is to change "Mascot" to "Botany"...
Another surviving example of the “Lullabye” Cradle was found on Facebook in May, 2021, offered for sale for $50.00. It is white with gold trim and lacking its veil. This one most likely dates from between 1972 to 1985. Play worn but still holding together.
Facebook, May 2021
Another was listed on instapicto in 2017 as a ‘Bestoys Bambi Crib’ for $89.00. It, too was missing its veil and also most likely from between 1972 to 1985.
Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle listed on instapicto as "Bestoys Bambi Crib" in 2017
Retailer's Catalogue
UNCLE PETE'S MAGIC TOY LAY-BY SALE
c1993 - Christmas
The "Wooden Rocking Cradle" illustrated on page 7 was most likely made by the new proprietors of the Bestoys name even though it does not appear to be branded as such. However, there is no mistaking the fawn and birds motif on the bed ends - definitely the one designed by Susanna Bonaretti in 1968!
Go to Bestoys Catalogues to view the full Uncle Pete's c1993 brochure:
c1993 - Christmas
The "Wooden Rocking Cradle" illustrated on page 7 was most likely made by the new proprietors of the Bestoys name even though it does not appear to be branded as such. However, there is no mistaking the fawn and birds motif on the bed ends - definitely the one designed by Susanna Bonaretti in 1968!
Go to Bestoys Catalogues to view the full Uncle Pete's c1993 brochure:
Wooden Rocking Cradle from Uncle Pete's c1993 Christmas Lay-by catalogue. Design derived from Bestoys "Lullabye" Cradle.
Vintage Wooden Rocking Cradle find
Listed on Facebook's Marketplace in July 2023, this Wooden Rocking Cradle was made after 1985 when Bestoys Pty Ltd was sold. The bed ends are the front bed end of the "Lullabye" Cradle.
The ad on Facebook's Marketplace - with thanks and with no intended infringement of copyright
Bestoys Wooden Rocking Cradle from after 1985 found on Facebook's Marketplace in July 2023
Found on Facebook Marketplace in September 2025, this doll's rocking cradle was manufactured after 1985 by the new owners of Bestoys and decorated with only one pass of the screen-print. It has extensive play-wear and appears to be constructed of a softer fibreboard than Pyneboard given the way the exposed damage is 'fraying'. Also of interest is the Bestoys rocket and moon logo on the above example is replaced by "Bestoys" in script. Interesting...
With thanks to Facebook Marketplace and the Seller with no intention to infringe copyright: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1211687634331623/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A7a823b29-4fed-4590-864b-613cba606192
With thanks to Facebook Marketplace and the Seller with no intention to infringe copyright: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1211687634331623/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A7a823b29-4fed-4590-864b-613cba606192
Bestoys doll's cot post-1985 found on Marketplace in September 2025
Front panel of Bestoys doll's cot post-1985 found on Marketplace in September 2025
Bestoys doll's cot post-1985 found on Marketplace in September 2025
Bestoys doll's cot post-1985 found on Marketplace in September 2025
Damaged corners of Bestoys doll's cot post-1985 found on Marketplace in September 2025 showing 'fraying' of fibreboard
1973
By 1973, the Bestoys range of doll’s cots and cradles had reduced to only three, the most popular: “Lullabye” and “Susanne” were to go on until 1985 but the "Combi", the very first in the Bestoys range, would be discontinued by 1983.
1976
The "PRINCESS" CRIB
Around this time, another doll’s cradle was added, the "Princess" Crib.
Like the “Lullabye”, it featured a tulle veil on an arm, this cot was suspended on a wooden frame, and, like its three stablemates, the “Princess” Crib was to become a best seller. This crib also carried on until 1985. It was manufactured like all the remaining cots and cradles, using hardboard bed ends, timber frame, timber dowel rails and, of course, came in a flat pack.
Like the “Lullabye”, it featured a tulle veil on an arm, this cot was suspended on a wooden frame, and, like its three stablemates, the “Princess” Crib was to become a best seller. This crib also carried on until 1985. It was manufactured like all the remaining cots and cradles, using hardboard bed ends, timber frame, timber dowel rails and, of course, came in a flat pack.
From Bestoys 1976 catalogue
From Bestoys 1979 catalogue
But 1976 saw a change in the colour range offered by Bestoys on many of its new products, the Doll’s High Chair, the Deluxe Ironing Board, the Deluxe Dresser, the Settee Toybox and the “Princess” Crib. For the first time, orange, primrose, pale green, pastel blue, pink and mauve were available and a whole suite of children’s furniture could be obtained in matching colours.
With the “Princess” Crib, the colour of the silk-screened butterflies on the bed ends matched the frame.
With the “Princess” Crib, the colour of the silk-screened butterflies on the bed ends matched the frame.
"Princess" Crib finds
This very good example of the Bestoys "Princess" Crib was found in March, 2024 on both Marketplace and Gumtree, listed by Nick's Picks. It would have been made between 1976 and 1985 and all that appears to be missing is the veil on the arm and the little bouquet of flowers that held the veil in place. (With thanks to Nick's Picks, Marketplace and Gumtree.)
"Princess" Crib offered by Nick's Picks on Marketplace and Gumtree March 2024
Details from Nick's Picks Marketplace offering
"Princess" Crib offered by Nick's Picks on Marketplace and Gumtree March 2024
"Princess" Crib offered by Nick's Picks on Marketplace and Gumtree March 2024
"Princess" Crib offered by Nick's Picks on Marketplace and Gumtree March 2024
"Princess" Crib offered by Nick's Picks on Marketplace and Gumtree March 2024
A couple more Bestoys "Princess" Cribs found on Facebook Marketplace in January 2026
The first was offered with a wicker doll's pram as a freebie. It was apricot pink with orange trim on the 'harlequin' hardboard base and rails. but without its arm and veil - and is play worn. The legs and feet have been reinforced with a triangular brace but otherwise has withstood the test of time. This item would have been produced between 1976 and 1985 by the Bestoys production team.
With thanks to the seller and Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/25700820582939628/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A54c230a7-759d-4dbe-9da5-3cb70aafb854
With thanks to the seller and Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/25700820582939628/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A54c230a7-759d-4dbe-9da5-3cb70aafb854
Bestoys "Princess" Crib offered on Facebook Marketplace in January 2026
Bestoys "Princess" Crib offered on Facebook Marketplace in January 2026
Bestoys "Princess" Crib offered on Facebook Marketplace in January 2026
The second, also on Facebook Marketplace, has had a makeover: repainted in white and transfers applied to the head and foot boards. No arm or veil but neat and tidy - definitely a Bestoys "Princess" Crib, right down to the fluted hardboard base.
With sincere thanks to the seller and to Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3902277026738073/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A54c230a7-759d-4dbe-9da5-3cb70aafb854
With sincere thanks to the seller and to Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3902277026738073/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A54c230a7-759d-4dbe-9da5-3cb70aafb854
Refurbished Bestoys "Princess" Crib found on Facebook Marketplace January 2026
1985
END OF AN ERA
When in 1985 Bestoys was sold, only three doll's cots and cradles remained in the catalogue: "Susanne" Drop Side Cot, "Lullabye" Cradle and "Princess" Crib all proven best sellers.
