Danish Fuel Brand Book

WORLD HISTORY ICONS Original Designs Since 2010

INTROD

UCTION

2010 , a sunday morning. My mom and I was treasure hunting at a flea market, when I stumbled across an old Army-Navy fuel can.

The beginning of an adventure was just about to begin. Like most start-ups the upcycling project started in a garage. The result was awful and ended as scrap with many other prototypes.

The years went by and one day my dear dad suggested to make a bar cabinet out of the old fuel cans. Over time more designs came on board and created the base for the Danish Fuel brand.

In April 2013 we entered the international market, at the world’s most prestigious furniture fair, Salone Int. del Mobile in Milan, Italy.

Nowadays Danish Fuel is well known by many, and the Royal Danish Family is among the owners of the Danish Fuel designs.

In this Brand Book we have collected some of the new Danish Fuel designs. The highlights of our journey creating the designs and back to the early days of Danish Design.

Warmly, RenĂŠ Sundahl Danish Fuel Storyteller

WAYBACk Surrounded by Skagerak and the North Sea, disguised in nature among heather plants and wandering sand dunes. A country known by many people by the the word “hygge�, and for its minimalistic and functional designs is located. The name of the country is Denmark.

The home of Danish Fuel.

PLAYBACK The words that immediately comes to mind regarding Danish design possibly range along; functionalist, minimalist, pure and sleek lines, meticulous craftsmanship, and sturdy yet elegant designs. Welcome to Danish Fuel’s birth, rise and future, and the designs we have made since 2010. Please enjoy!

GREAT INVENTIONS As many of today’s designs has its early beginning from a time with limited resources and unique designs was required. More specifically, World War II. Everything from the BIG ball pen, superglue, freeze-dried coffee and many other designs saw the day of light during the Second World War. These products, ensuring they’re absolutely perfect. They’re basically so perfect that they blend seamlessly into our lives, almost invisibly serving their intended functions.

We have experienced many ingenious and perfect-appearing designs throughout the history and several of these came from wartime efforts.

To address part of the nearly endless list of inventions back in 1935-1950, let’s have a closer look at one truly important historic product - the jerry can petrol can - and how brilliant it was designed. And now redesigned as a bar cabinet for this cottage house in the northern part of Denmark.

DANISH DESIGN First of all, the Danish modern movement, like the mid-century modern, dates roughly from 1933 to 1965, with roots in the Industrial Revolution and post World War I era. The geographical position of Denmark was also a great influence on the design.

The standard jerry can is not a Danish design.

It was first designed just before the World War II, in 1937 by Vinzenz Grünvogel from the Müller engineering firm for military use. An American and British adaption of the brilliant design was almost unavoidable, and in 1942 the US ordered 19 millions jerry cans made in one single order.

Just like in the Danish design history, the fine Danish craftsmanship was also a key factor in the making of Danish Fuel’s products. In 2010 we tracked down some of the old jerry cans to a military surplus stockhouse in Europe. And then we were on our way to upcycling the unique jerry can. Another main factor was to preserve the shapes and specifics of the brilliant original design. Even the color codes, used during the second world war to indicate what kind of liquid each jerry can contained, is adapted into the Danish Fuel design.

With respect for the original design, we have added some more refined details of the use for all the variate design products we make for everyday use.

LUXURY IS IN

EVERY DETAIL

THE DESIGN IS SO SIMPLE - thats why it´s so complicated

Modernism and the rise of individualism are great factors in the formation of the Danish Fuel design ethos. We keep that in mind when creating the re-designs of the jerry cans in order to match or mix into any interior.

PROUDLY DANISH - truly international The complete destruction of the social order due to the First World War influenced the course of arts and Danish design greatly.

The simplification of design in the interwar period, and the gradual influence of art movements such as German Bauhaus gave way to the awe-inspiring designs that emerged in Denmark, starting as early as 1914 with Kaare Klint’s Faaborg chair.

This image is an example of how to decor a tiny bathroom. Embraced by a raw brick wall and concrete floors, the Danish Fuel Bathroom Cabinet, shown with shelves of warm shade walnut, stands out. Its an icon on the wall, with a build-in-mirror in the door of the cabinet. Do you dare open it?

Female U.S. Army nurses to reach Okinawa in the spring of 1945

Washing their faces with water from the Jerry Cans in the field on May 3.

THE jerry can specifications The small can was brilliantly designed. It had to be affordable to produce and easy to transport. The square design made it easy to stack and store the cans in small spaces.

During the Second World War II, more than 200 factories were manufacturing the small, unique and lifesaving can.

Invented in 1937 Designed by Vinzenz GrĂźnvogel Name: Whermacht-Einheitskanister Holds 20L / 5 gallons Empty weight 4kg / 8.8lbs Adapted by American and British in 1941 + 1800 duplicates made 21 million made by 1944

Copy of a German Jerry Can order, 1939

Cam lock top. No leaking when refueling

8

Three handles to carry it in multiply ways

1

Reccessed welded seams resistant to shocks

7 2 Floats in water due to an internal airpocket

6

3

Production year, contry of origin, S/N, embossed

A pressed cross strengthens the metal plates

4 5 Simple construction of two pressed metal plates

Hot applied inside synthetic linning, resist corrossion

Jerry Can manufacturer

Austin Motor company, South Wales 1943

CIVILIAN USAGE

Though jerry cans were made for the purpose of war, they were also heavily used by the civilians. At the beginning of the Second World War, Australia was lamentably unprepared for a conflict, especially in regard of petrol supplies. The First World War provided no guidelines to the matter, although petrol rationing had been considered early in 1918. But restrictions would have meant that fewer ships would have made deliveries all the way to Australia.

Rationing during the Second World War was a fact of life for everyone. Drivers had to apply for a petrol license, from which they were allocated ration tickets based on their needs. The jerry can was designed to hold 5 gallon / 20 L, so the rationing was measured after its size.

The cans popularity was huge back in it´s heyday around 1950. Even though the Second World War had ended and left more than 21 million jerry cans,

The Jeep and jerry can were true compagnions

To many people the jerry can is known as a jeep Can

THE RECYCLING

During World War II, an unbelievable 3.5 million jerry cans were reported lost in October 1944, when military movements of troops and vehicles reached its peak.

This problem reached such epidemic proportions that the U.S. even offered rewards to French schoolchildren for collecting empty, discarded jerry cans.

Approximately one million cans were recovered this way.

l

Origina

THe REDESIGN The bar cabinet was actually not the first design we came up with. Since 2010 we have worked towards a streamlined upcycling process, but we actually progressed in the opposite direction. We had a unique idea, but we had to focus on the economical possible. It turned out that the solution we chose was neither easy nor the cheapest. Making the product details stand out is far from a simple job.

Images to the left show the before and after upcycling.

The Danish Fuel designs have been the mother of inspiration for a tremendous numbers of DIY made jerry can products, that have popped up all over the internet these. We feel honored when someone finds inspiration in our designs - and even try to duplicate our creations. We see it as a public quality stamp of our way to make creative designs.

Below, the original design drawing of The Danish Fuel Bar Cabinet.

2011

01

The UPCYCLING

Cleaning IN A FURNACE

We aim for making a high end product. To reach premium quality we work with many different Danish suppliers - all of them located within a one hour driving distance.

Over the course of three weeks, our jerry cans go through these seven steps.

WE LOVE UPCYCLING

05

04

UPCY NEW Coating

Plywood bending

03

02

Sandblasting

Laser cutting

07

06

YClin Assembling

Packaging

How we make the packaging?

bend-a-ply The shelves in the cabinets are made of bend plywood.

Thin layers of wood veneers are sewn together and glued on both sides. Second step is putting the many layers of veneer into a heated pressing tool for 30 minutes. After the hardening we can start cutting, grinding and sanding. The last thing to do is apply wood oil.

The cabinets are available in 48 combinations of colors and wood types. It gives you the opportunity to put together your new design, so it can match or mix with any given interior design.

Extra wood oil for maintenance of the wooden shelves is included, when you get your new Danish Fuel cabinet All the wood is FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council)

WE LOVE WOOD

How do we make the shelves?

The WOOD TYPES Images to the right: Shows the six wood types net. We use the same six first aid cabinet and key black and the smoked oak

at the pouring table on the bar cabiwood types for the bathroom cabinet, cabinet. The black stain oak in true is dark brown.

Image below: The bathroom cabinet shown in copper and shelves of zebrano.

Black Stain Oak

Walnut

Smoked Oak

Zebrano

Oak

Red Gum (Australian Eucalyptus)

AUTHENTIC COLORS

The jerry cans were cleverly colored to indicate what kind of liquid they contained.

Here’s some of the codes: Red = Gasoline Yellow = Diesel White = Gear Oil Grey = Kerosene The army green color is the original color used by German Tank Division in late 1944.

Est 2010

From

ZERO The BIRTH Far away from traffic lights and smartphones, Danish Fuel was born. The breakthrough to the international design scene came in 2013 at the Salone int. del Mobile in Milan, Italy. The most prestigious furniture fair in the world.

The Danish Royal Family is among the owners of Danish Fuel designs.

The RISE Had we known, what challenges we would face in the years to come, we probably would never have started.

However, at the time we were a little naive and thought “How hard can it be to make a table? It’s just a big plate and four pieces of wood as legs, right?!” Turned out, it was a bit more complicated.

The futURE Our designs are very analogue, and we’ll continue the coming design with same DNA. At the time of writing we are in the design progress of making more creative designs to add to the Danish Fuel design line. At our website you can sign up for a dedicated newsletter and be the first to see what’s on its way.

to

We source only the best available components and utilize a handmade production process in our state-of-the-art workshop.

Furthermore, we believe that products should be built to last. Every Danish Fuel product comes with a two years guarantee, but will hopefully last more than a lifetime.

After all, there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing your Danish Fuel item can be passed down to the next generation.

HERO

THE WAREHOUSE

, A Danish Fuel product is made to mix and match.

We often get the question: Which design is your favorite?

The answer is always the same: It’s the next!

,,

A STATEMENT MAKING ROOM

Follow that dream

,

The Bathroom Cabinet

We have developed a special Missile Grey satin deep mat coating. With its silk soft surface it ads a sensual touch to the masculine bar cabinet.

A CONVERSATION STARTER When we designed the bar cabinet, we came to the conclusion that it’s not suitable for everyone.

Exclusively made for the ones who wants a personal room - with unique designs that have a story to be told. A design that leads to conversations, catches the eye, and drags you closer to it.

RACING GREEN The new Danish Fuel color takes it´s name from the green international motorsport color in the UK. This stems from the Gordon Bennett Cup in 1903, held in Ireland when motorsport was illegal in England. The Racing Green colour similar to Brunswick green, hunter green, forest green or moss green.

A green story The Bar Cabinet appears to be black when held out of spotlight a shines very Bright Green like and Esmerald when in the spotlight or daylight. The surface is smooth silk mat and feels very soft to touch.

BATHROOM CABINET ROSE

THE ROSE BAR CABINET

Made nicely

THE ROSE BAthroom CABINET

For the beauty products

C OLLECTORS ITEM

The true collectors are not out to catch an everyday vintage design bar cabinet.

Instead, they want one-of-akind and iconic creations with documented provenance and historical importance.

Compared to the cutting edge steel, wood and furniture of the era, this bar cabinet is a rebel and extremely rare to come across.

It seems like the star of the Danish Fuel designs is not going to fall anytime soon.

LIMITED MEANS LIMITED It’s like women’s relationship to the “Little Black Dress”.

It’s timeless, looks flawless and goes with everything. Besides, having one expensive but high quality black dress is better than having 50 cheap ones.

Like all the Danish Fuel cabinets has been used by the Army or Navy, this one-of-a-kind has acted in the World War II.

One-off piece British WD 1943, Limited Danish Fuel Edition

HOME BAR STYLING

Gas Red Bar Cabinet shown with shelf of american walnut

NORMANDY YELLOW

THE ACCESSORIES The size of a Danish Fuel bar cabinet is limited to 20 L, as this is the original design of the jerry can back in 1937.

In order to make space for more than just your show-off-worthy bottles in the bar cabinet, we have designed bar gear to match the cabinet’s interior design.

A four pack of serving cups with coasters comes in a appropriate gift box. The three piece shaker set includes a strainer in the lid of the shaker.

A double jigger makes sure that you can measure the accuracy of spirits in all your cocktails.

350ml Shaker 330ml cup

2cl 4cl

Spoon / Straw

We all know that one guy, who never pays for his own drinks and avoid buying rounds for the table.

With the decision flip coin, we have brought an end to it. Drinks on you - drinks on me.

Some 21 million Jerry Cans were scattered all over Europe in 1944

THE FIRST AID CABINET

The first aid cabinet is a variation of the bathroom cabinet. With a centered red cross placed behind the door with the build-in mirror, you´ll get a 3D effect.

The red cross is cut out by a laser-cutting machine to archive precision.

Storage Tin Box comes with the Key Cabinet

11c

m

the key CABINET This key cabinet is made as a multi storage cabinet.

It have hooks on each side in the cabinet to hang you keys. A small box to hold small items.

Underneath you’ll find five larger hooks, where you can hang jackets, umbrella and handbag.

The dimension is 20L 36cm wide. 48cm height. 18cm dept.

Mounted with two handmade leather straps which is included in the package.

THE SUITCASE

Ready to take off

The jerry can was designed with an internal air pocket, so it could float on water when dumped from an airplane.

110cm 52cm 36-37cm wide / 4,5kg

(Depending on the can used for the upcycling)

any color, as long as its black Upcycled from an original Army/Navy fuel can.

The suitcase that is made to last.

Metal case which can handle bumps and resist dents.

It has rollerblade wheels so it’s easy to get around in almost all terrain.

Telescope trolley handle with extra lenght.

100% attention guarantee.

Weight 4.5kg / fully loaded aprox. 10kg.

H: 52cm / W: 35cm / D:20cm.

Can pass a security check.

The unboxing experience is half the experience when receiving a gift!

Crater boxes was easy to make when the material was easy to source in 1935-1950. The design of the storage boxes was widely used to store and carry supplies during the Second World War. To protect the product inside the box, we have made an inner jute bag.

The unique ID number for each design is stamped as a stencil mark on the bag and on the outside of the box, and the rope handle makes it easy to carry.

An UNBOXING EXPERIENCE

How the box is made

PERSONLIZED EDITION

- your name engraved on the Bar

All the Danish Fuel bar cabinets, bathroom cabinets and suitcases are upcycled, so each and everyone is unique. Corrosion and dents appears because of the use at the front lines.

The certificate is made of stainless steel and comes in a tin box. The certificate is a proof that your product is a original Danish Fuel design.

A unique ID serial number is engraved into the certificate.

The ID number holds information of origin, year of manufacturing and where the jerry can has been in service.

Your personal initials will be engraved into the certificate.

The laser-engraved initials in the wooden pouring table on the bar cabinets are additional.

We’ll do what we can, for your can.

8.5 cm

Unique ID serial number Your personal initials Year of manufacturing Manufacturer

Original design

Why Danish Fuel GINs?

Because no fun night or deep conversation ever started with having a salat.

Hand Crafted Single Batch Gins

TIME TO REFUEL - WITH GIN Only the best gin is good enough for the best bar cabinet.

The Danish Fuel GINs are single batch gins, handmade at Nordisk Braenderi in Denmark. All botanicals used for the gins are handpicked in the Nordic regions.

The gins are made with inspiration of distiller Anders Bilgrams travels in the Nordics. All bottles is signed and numbered.

The design of the bottle is inspired by an old oil can.

Our PREMIUM GIN is awarded with a Double Gold Medal at Fifty Best Gins in New York

GINTLE MEn´S CHOICE Award winning GIN! Botanicals in the PREMIUM GIN: Fresh wild dog rose leaves, Greenland Suaasat, Swedish mulberries, Icelandic kvan seeds, buckthorn and Danish appel.

PREMIUM Gin 2*Gold Medal 44.8% Vol 0.5L

VINTAGE Gin London Dry 42% Vol 0.5L

Botanicals in the VINTAGE GIN: Raspberries, gooseberries, kvan, licorice, lemon thyme, lemon Salmon, chamomile and shelf flower.

H:12cm

Every soldier has a canteen as a part of his equipment.

We found it more convenient to replace that canteen with a real fuel can hip flask that holds 100ml / 3.4 oz. Super easy pocket size. The design is inspired from the original jerry can. It’s made of stainless 304L steel. The lid is fixed to the flask, so you won’t risk losing it when drinking or refueling.

Army green or nano black?

never low on fuel Or, another kind of fuel - when Skiing, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing or partying!

HOW to mount IT

A tin box that contains a set of hand-carved leather wall hangers. Matching black colored screws is included in the package. It will take your best friend less than five minutes to mount the bar- or bathroom cabinet for you.

The tin box is also designed to be used as a storage box in the cabinet.

Take insiration in this home office styling.

- how do you want yours to be?

HOW TO maintenance

The wood shelves in the cabinets should be maintained with wood oil. The small brush in the lid of the tin flask is helpful when applying oil to the shelf every three months.

Both are enclosed in the tin box.

Made in Denmark

OUR WORKSHOP

Welcome inside our workshop.

Our residens is located in the countryside in Denmark. We work in a nice and quirt area.

Surrounded by the nature and the forrest.

FINAL THOUGHTS At Danish Fuel we are not biased. We don’t try to glorify anyone who took part in the Second World War. We just like history and the designs that came from that time period.

While developing the Danish Fuel brand we have spent many hours, days, weeks and years researching. And one thing we are truly impressed with, is the fact that the jerry can hasn’t been improved over the last seven decades - simply because of its brilliant original design.

We took notice of this, as we came across it in our history class: After WWII, President Franklin Roosevelt acknowledged the pivotal role jerry cans played in an allied victory, stating: “Without these cans it would have been impossible for our armies to cut their way across France at a lightning pace which exceeded the German Blitzkrieg of 1940.”

Such recognition pays serious tribute to the efficiency and safety of jerry cans, hinting at the role these containers would play in transportation for decades to come.

Say hello to my dad, Frank Who was on board from the very beginning, when Danish Fuel was at the startup point. He was the one who made the bending plywood for the cabinets, and much more.

His many creative skills made him come up with the idea to make the bar cabinet and he also designed the bathroom cabinet.

The picture is taken in spring 2013 outside the workshop.

Since 2010

Limited copies of this Danish Fuel Brand Book, only by invitation.

Images by Alexander Aliaksandrovich Vintage images under license from Heritage Motor Centre UK Styling Akvile Vinikaite & RenĂŠ Sundahl.

Sales and Press enquiries shop@danishfuel.com T +455050 1616 www.danishfuel.com Social media @danishfuel Copyright Seacreed Service A/S Denmark All designs shown in this brand book are protected under law.

Seacreed Service A/S has the property rights to manufacture and sell all Danish Fuel design products, and holds the exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights world wide. Copying will be prosecuted.