Pewter Ice-Cream Mould ‘Pear’

Victorian

Circa mid to late 19th century | England

An antique small Victorian hinged pewter ice-cream mould shaped in naturalistic form to represent a pear. Pewter moulds were used to make highly decorative cream or water ices, and sorbets, which were popular in the Victorian era with pewter mould manufacturers appearing in trade directories from the mid-nineteenth century (see The Gen).

DIMENSIONS: Length 6 cm.

SIGNATURES, MARKINGS & INSCRIPTIONS: Unmarked.

CONDITION: In very good condition, with wear commensurate with antique age and use of such a piece. The mould has a lovely dark patina on the outside and is bright inside. 

REFERENCES: For examples of similar small moulds see page 13 of the advertisements in Fancy Ices, Mrs A.B. Marshall, 1894 where they were advertised to be sold by the dozen! Also, see similar moulds at the Powerhouse Museum, Object No. A7651.

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THE GEN

“London directory listings for the specialist mold trade peaked in 1868; in that year, nine firms manufactured tin and copper molds. The pewter mold trade kept separate listings in London directories under the heading ‘Ice Mould Makers.’ These listings first appeared in 1856, when two firms appeared; six firms were listed in the 1887 edition. Birmingham directories listed craftsmen or firms only by The General job, such as ‘Japanner’ or ‘coppersmith.’ No headings for mold makers existed.” (Dining in America 1850–1900, Kathryn Grover, The University of Massachusetts Press, 1987, pp 59–60)

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