Chocolate molds have been around since the late 1800s. The molds are decorative as well as functional and can be used to make decorative beeswax or chalk figurines. Molds come in many shapes and sizes, such as people, animals and fruits. And they have become a collector’s item.
The Collectors
True chocolate mold collectors have been known to crisscross the globe in hopes of uncovering the masterpiece of their collection. They have found these pieces that have been left to gather dust in someone’s attic, an abandoned warehouse or a shop that is about to go out of business.
"We know of one collector who travels to Belgium, France, and Holland several times a year just to search for antique chocolate molds," says Bob Wade, owner of Once Upon a Time Antiques in Cold Spring, N.Y. Wade says that, shortly after the reunification of Germany, this collector discovered a bakery that was selling its entire stock of pre-war chocolate molds. “That’s any collector’s dream come true,” Wade says.
The collecting craze of today actually began in the golden age of the corner candy store, in 1880 and 1940, when production of intricate chocolate molds was in full swing. The craft of the candy maker fell prey to the relative ease and inexpensiveness of mass production after WWII. People just didn’t see as many intricate designs and patterns in chocolate. They became content with the mass-produced, unimaginative candies of Nestlé’s and Hershey’s.
These whimsical artifacts of yesterday’s candy kitchen continue to delight today’s collectors. "There's just such a wide variety out there," Wade says. "People can collect for years and still find a design they haven't seen before."
What to Look For in A Mold
Chocolate mold manufacturers in Europe and the United States produced detailed molds of tin, pewter and copper that are sought after today. The stamped-metal shapes, including bunnies, sheep, hearts, eggs, turkeys, dogs and more, were intended for both commercial and home use.
According to Jean Van Kuren, who owns Ruth’s Antiques in Clarence Center, N.Y., and sells chocolate molds at antiques shows across the country, detailing is one of the most important factors affecting the value of the piece. Small molds with limited detail can still be found for $10 or $20. More desirable pieces, however, can sell for up to $100 or more. These pieces feature fine blades of grass, strands of hair, and creases in clothing or similar detail. Pieces made by the German company Anton Reiche of Dresden are particularly intricate, Van Kuren says.
Size is another important factor that can affect the value of a mold. "Value typically increases as molds get larger," Wade says. "A manufacturer may have produced a good number of six-inch molds but probably only turned out a handful of molds that were three feet tall." The smallest molds that collectors have found stand three to five inches tall. The most common molds are six to 12 inches tall. The rarest molds stand three feet tall. Some of these molds have sold for upwards of $5,000.
Where to Find Antique Chocolate Molds
The best places to look for these vintage pieces include antiques shops, especially those specializing in kitchenware, flea markets and holiday fairs. Bob Wade warns collectors to be wary, though. When looking at a stamped piece, be sure to look closely to be sure that all of the companion pieces, such as straps and clamps, are included. Reproductions do exist, he says, but they usually stand out against the real thing. Genuine pieces will usually be made of heavy-gauge tin, show greater detail and show the typical dents of repeated use.
Many collectors use their molds to create old-fashioned confections. If that’s not for you, these vintage pieces will make lovely additions to any mantel, sideboard or shelf in your home.
All of the pices pictured here can be found at Wendy Mullen's website, VictorianChocolateMolds. Be sure to check out Wendy's book The Comprehensive Guide to Chocolate Molds for everything you need to know about collecting these beautiful pieces.
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