vintage butter stamp wheat sheaf pattern primitive hand carved folk art

A gorgeous example of hand carved or primitive wood workings. This antique butter stamp depicts a sheaf of wheat, symbol of prosperity and wealth. It has a wonderful, warm patina! This was one of the most popular butter mold symbols as it was a good luck emblem associated with abundant crops.

Butter molds were carved since at least the 17th century as a decorative and identifying way to mold butter. Beautiful and ornate examples are abundant in the Germanic countries, especially, where wood carving was a popular folk art. The molds were carved originally by farmers for their own use, sometimes including their initials and heraldic symbols, but mainly depicting the simple pastoral world around them, farm animals, birds and other wild creatures and flowers and fruit both realistic and stylized. Immigrants brought their carving arts with them and the tradition continued in this country until the need for these molds was so great that in the 19th century, woodenware factories began producing them with lathes and other labor saving tools.*historicimpressions.com


Measures 3 1/4" tall x 4 3/4" diameter stamp cover, the handle extends to 3 3/4" above the stamp .

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SHOP NOTE: All items listed are "as found" and they will be shipped “as found” since we are not professional cleaners we do not want to inadvertently damage any item, but we strive to note any significant damage, blemishes, or wear to the item. PLEASE read the entire description, look at all of the photos, and contact us with any concerns or questions before purchasing and request any additional photos that would help in your decision. Keep in mind that most antiques and vintage items will show some appropriate signs of age…which is all part of their charm!