Springerle Molds

You collectors will understand the feeling.   Once you find a piece that excites you, you want to go out and find more.  Pretty soon your collection has taken over and you don't quite know where to put it all!  I can't remember when I began my Springerle wooden mold collection, but it fast became a favorite of mine.  Springerle is a cookie made in the German region of Bavaria, and the dough is laid over the wooden molds and pressed into the carved designs. 

I have tried to concentrate on collecting the prized Springerle molds from the Biedermeier period (1815-1848).  This mold is probably the oldest in my collection.  It displays the talent of the woodcarver who has done very intricate subjects.   It is also desirable because it is two-sided (see reverse side above).  My favorite is the animal trainer with the dancing bear and monkey dressed up in a little suit.   The piece of wood is over an inch thick, which is a good indication of age, along with the irregular shape of the wood. 

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Another two-sided mold showing the talent of the woodcarver.  As with any antique, the heart makes the piece very desirable.  The alphabet is an added bonus!

Another mold with wonderful subject matter, fine detail and an unusually  long shape with 10 squares.   The standard Springerle molds are commonly found with four or six squares running vertically, not horizontally.