origins and uses. Data has been recorded for approximately 1200 of these and over 1000 have been photographed. Butter molds consist of a case, which measures the correct amount of butter, and a plunger which carries the design and also pushes the butter out of the filled case. Butter prints consist only of a carved design with a handle; the design is pressed against the butter in a container or, more often, against a weighed-out pat. While the plunger type molds, massproduced in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, are the most common form, butter prints predominated in the early days and generally have the most
interesting designs. Butter prints and molds fall into three categories: primitive, craftshop and factory-made. While these categories represent an evolutionary development from "one-man one-mold" to eventual mass production, primitives continued to be made after the advent of mechanized woodenware factories, especially in remote areas. PRIMITIVE PRINTS AND MOLDS Primitive butter prints and molds are one-of-a-kind and are completely hand carved. Typically, the blanks were whittled, not turned, and were either created on the farm or, according to some specu-
1. Massive primitive butter print, whittled out of one piece of wood, 12.5 cm. diameter, 12.5 cm. high. Plant with largeflower (poppy?), star. Initials "SCS" probably added, as they are not reversedfor printing on butter. Collection of Old Sturbridge Village. 46
2. There is practically no information available at this date concerning the makers ofprimitive and craftshop molds and prints. No doubt the identities of most of the makers will continue to be lost in the mists of time; unless, as in isolated instances, the item was monogrammed orfound at the place of original use, or both, as in the case of the mold made and used on the Robinson Farm (Rokeby) near Shelburne, Vermont. Dimensions:10.0 x 12.5 x 4.5 cm. Collection ofRokeby Museum.