This group of five antique tin and metal cookie cutters includes a rabbit, reindeer, chick, Scotty dog, and star. Several have the older flatback construction with the cutting shape attached to a metal backing and a soldered handle for pressing the cutter into dough.
I like this set because the pieces are not identical in construction. The rabbit and larger animal cutters have broad metal backs, the star has an open shape with a strap handle, and the Scotty dog has a simple molded animal form. They look and feel like working kitchen tools rather than modern reproductions.
The darkened metal, oxidation, scratches, and old solder are part of their age. The missing handle on the chick is a real condition issue, though, and I would not call that charming wear.
Details
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Item: Group of five antique cookie cutters
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Item Type: Flatback and handled tin and metal cookie cutters
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Era: Approximately 1890s to 1930s
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Materials: Tin and other metal, with soldered construction on several pieces
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Color: Silver-tone metal with gray, darkened, and rust-brown areas
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Maker and Mark: No visible maker's markÂ
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Pattern or Model: Rabbit, reindeer, chick, Scotty dog, and star shapes
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Style: Early utilitarian kitchenware with primitive animal and geometric forms
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Dimensions: Star approximately 3 by 3 inches and 1 inch deep. Rabbit approximately 4 by 3 inches and 1 inch deep. Scotty dog approximately 3 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches long. Reindeer approximately 4 1/2 inches wide and about 1 inch deep. Chick approximately 4 by 3 inches and 1 inch deep.
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Special Features: Mixed animal and star shapes, several flatback forms, soldered handles, and early metal construction
Condition Grade: Good
Positives
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Graded Good: All five shapes remain recognizable and display well as a group.
- The rabbit, reindeer, and other backed cutters retain their formed cutting edges.
- The star retains its strap-style handle.
- The old soldered construction remains visible and adds useful evidence of how these cutters were made.
Issues / Wear
- The metal surfaces show heavy age darkening, scratches, oxidation, spotting, pitting, and areas of surface rust.
- Some backs have heavier discoloration and rough surface wear. I consider this normal for old working kitchen metal, but it is clearly visible and should be expected.
- The chick cookie cutter is missing its handle. This is the most significant condition issue in the group.
- Soldered areas show age and uneven color from long use and storage.
- The cutters have not been polished or restored.
Condition Grade Key
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Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
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Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
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Good: Complete enough for use or display with noticeable wear consistent with age.
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Fair: Significant wear, damage, or missing parts that affect use or appearance.
Collector's Notes
Flatback cookie cutters are an older style that used a formed cutting edge attached to a sheet metal back, often with a simple soldered grip or handle.
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
I do my best to capture colors accurately, but your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note:
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
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