Butter mold and butter stamp, 1800-1900

Flower pattern, leaf pattern
Hand-carved wood

Butter molds were used to form and decorate butter, which was first pressed into the shape of the mold, and then forced out with a decorative plunger. The carved plunger, like a carved stamp, impressed the finished butter with its design. Stamps were carved in a variety of plant designs and, occasionally, with animals or patriotic motifs. They were used often in selling butter to advertise and identify the maker.

Gift of Betty I. Madden-Work, Springfield, IL (1988.38.18 & .19a-b)

Food Preparation | Wood

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96