Vintage Wooden ‘Fresh V-D-B Halves Margarine’ Crate – Den Berghs Ltd
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33 cm wide
14 cm tall
14 cm depth
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A wonderfully rustic early–mid 20th century wooden margarine crate, beautifully timeworn and full of authentic character.
The box retains its original green stencilled branding reading:
“Fresh V-D-B Halves Margarine”
with the oval mark for Den Berghs Limited.
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Constructed from solid timber with nailed joints, the crate was originally used for transporting and storing packaged margarine halves for grocers and food distributors. The natural patina, aged wood grain, and softened lettering give it the warm, honest look that collectors and interior stylists love.
Today, it makes a charming and practical piece for:
Farmhouse or country-style kitchens
Pantry or vegetable storage
Retail display or market styling
Rustic home décor or photography prop
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Condition
Good vintage condition with expected signs of age and use:
Surface wear, scuffs and marks
Darkened areas from handling and storage
Fading and wear to the original stencil
Structurally solid and usable please note the base has warped slightly does not fit without some adjustments
This is an authentic working crate with genuine age-related character.
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Approximate Date
Circa 1920s–1940s
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Maker History – Den Berghs Limited
Den Berghs Limited was founded by the Dutch Van den Bergh family, pioneers in the commercial production of margarine during the late 19th century. The company expanded rapidly across Europe and the UK, becoming one of the most recognised margarine brands of the early 20th century.
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In 1930, Den Berghs merged with Lever Brothers to form part of the organisation that would later become Unilever. During this period, branded wooden transport crates like this one were widely used in the grocery trade, helping to build brand recognition at shop level while ensuring safe distribution of perishable goods.
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Pieces bearing the V-D-B mark are now sought after as examples of early food advertising and British retail history.
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Objet d’Art Story
This crate is a small survivor from the age of the independent grocer — when deliveries arrived in wooden boxes, shop counters were hand-served, and brands were built through craftsmanship and trust. Today, it carries that story forward, blending practical use with nostalgic charm — a humble piece of everyday history ready for a new life in a modern home.
