Lollipop Butter Print - Stylized Eagle

 Perhaps the scarcity of butter prints in museums outside of Pennsylvania indicates that they simply were not used as extensively elsewhere.  Kindig states in Butter Prints and Molds that "a large portion of the butter from rural New York and New England was transported to metropolitan areas in firkins." Thus, there was not the need to use butter prints.

 The Pennsylvania German, even though he was a practical creature, had a love of life that spilled over into decoration and is evident in their carvings as well as their Fractur drawings and furniture.  While we associate Tulips and Hearts with their beloved motifs, they also carved animals and birds though not in as great a number. Comparatively few eagles, cows, and monograms are found on hand-made prints.  They became popular in the later craft-shop era. 

That this Butter Print is hand made there is no doubt.  That it is extremely rare, there also is no doubt.  First, it is an early side handled or "Lollipop" print.  Second, it not only has a wonderful stylized Eagle motif on the print, but the handle is also carved. Third, the print is almost square shaped . . . a form very rarely found, especially in the Lollipop Prints. It is the work of a very talented carver with a wonderful imagination and the ability to impart a very folky quality to this Butter Print.  A real find for the collector.  It is  6-3/4" long and the print itself is 2-7/8" x 2-2/3".  Made of fruitwood, probably from Pennsylvania, it is in excellent condition.

R09I284321
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