Butter Print Mould ‘Rose, Thistle & Shamrock’

Late Victorian

Circa late 19th to early 20th century | England

A large intricately carved antique wooden plunger butter mould of a rose, thistle and shamrock, circa late nineteenth to early twentieth century. Butter moulds or prints were used in Victorian times to decorate butter once it had been churned either by the farmer or by resourceful families who could not afford printed butter (see The Gen). A wonderful addition to any kitchen to create that farmhouse kitchen style.

DIMENSIONS: Diameter of plunger 12.5 cm, Height 14 cm.

CONDITION: In excellent condition, wear consistent with an antique age and use. There are some cracks to the plunger mould, however the butter stamp and face are in excellent condition.

REFERENCES: For examples of similar antique butter moulds and prints of roses and thistles, see Butter Prints and Molds, Paul E. Kindig, Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 1986, pp 146–147. 

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THE GEN

“The print was a very important part of the bartering process because people would buy the butter from the farmer they preferred and could identify it, by his mark. Some authors feel that the only reason for the print was just that of beauty. I think it was a combination of both. The more appealing the butter the more sales, but to continue the sales the butter also had to please the taste buds of the purchaser. Many families could not afford printed butter bought tub butter and printed their own with either handmade or commercial prints. Thus it is easy to see why so many exist. Even though there was an abundance of prints, many did not survive because of their constant contact with salt and water.” (Butter Molds A Primitive Art Form, James E. Trice, Wallace-Homestead Book Co, 1973, p. 5)

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