CB1 - Early 20th Century Print Butter Carrier Box & Molds
A box that once had a purpose is now a glimpse of days gone by. Before mass marketing and refrigeration, butter was made on the farm or in your own home. As the work force increased during the industrial revolution, fewer people were living on farms and had less time to make butter. For these reasons, stores began to stock butter on a larger scale. Producers of butter began forming their butter into different shapes and designs to boost their sales. The way to transport their molded and printed butter to the market was through a specially designed box. These boxes are very sturdy and can hold up to 40 lbs. of butter. The boxes were also made to be secured. As can be seen in the photos, the corners are reinforced by metal strapping. There are strong sturdy handles on either side for carrying and an added handle on the top of the lid. Butter was valuable, and for this reason, the lid had two secure latches that could be padlocked. The box pictured is filled with different types of molds with a range in age and origins. All the molds and tools are handmade and cut and carved from wood.
The Contents
Two different Butter Print Plunger Presses with Carved Wheat Bales and Geometric Star
Right - A Hinged Butter Print Box with Removable Sides. The Stamp has a 4 Sectioned Geometrical Design
The Butter Lamb
A beautifully carved, mid 1800s, butter lamb hinged mold. It is made from a solid piece of maple wood with a fill hole for the butter on the underside of the lamb. The carving of the lamb is of the highest quality. The mold shows age and use over a long period of time. The Butter Lamb is a tradition in the Cristian faith during the Easter Season.
Flat Paddle Molds
& Presses
Flat paddle molds and presses come in all shapes and sizes. Many times, the origin of the molds and presses can be determined by the form of the paddles and simply by the design of the stamp. Two examples of American stamps can be seen on either side. The three photos below show stamp paddles molds from Asian countries. Often the mold paddles were used for cookies, chocolates and other sweet treats.
Front
Back
Front
Back
Other Butter Tools
In the photographs to the left are other tools that are necessary in manipulation and use with butter. On the far left are three butter paddles or spoons. Carved with a general design, the paddles are gently curved on both sides for the smoshing and spreading of butter into the molds and stamps. The backs have a typical hook on the handle for holding on to the rim of a bowl or container. The photographs near left are butter spreaders, scrappers and kneaders. They are very flat and square with a grooved ridge pattern on one side. Both sides of the spoons and the flat paddles were utilized. The typical wood that was used was maple for its tight grain and durability.
