bumpety bump

 

Hi SBJ,
Not an expert here, but we do have a collection of old butter molds. My mil did use them back in the day and they don't have any sort of smell. She even had the smaller round ones for making little pats for each place setting. My in-laws were avid collectors of many different things, butter molds being one. Among the rectangular ones there is one that has the print of a cow, there are round ones with leaves and other "prints" of various sizes, a glass one and the small round ones.
I wouldn't soak it. But just wash it real good before you use it. If you plan to use it regularly then I would think the regular using and cleaning it would keep it from going rancid. Also the regular use would keep it with a good "finish" or "seasoned". Just like your wooden spoons? On the occasion where my spoon got left in the water, it just doesn't keep as long. It is easier for it to split and crack as it is drying and is just never the same.
Unfortunately, the books we have about them focus on the collecting part rather than the using of and caring for them.
jd

 

Thanks for the response. I googled for info but didn't find much. Maybe I'm using the wrong key words. :/

I'll wash it good and see how it goes.


SBJ

 

Try Lehmans.com. They sell wooden butter molds and may have the info you are looking for. Check the product description.