Antique Pure Butter Slab

Made by the Dairy Supply Company of London,  originally these English ironstone stands were used in markets and grocery stores as counter top displays for margarine, butter, lard, meats and cheese.  Most were in use between the late 1800's and early 1900's.  Today, what remains of these pieces are highly sought and collected.  

 George Barham founded the ‘Express Country Milk Supply Company’ in 1864, bringing high quality milk from country farms overnight into London. The business prospered and in 1885 it became the ‘Express Dairy Company Limited’ bringing 30,000 gallons of milk into the capital every night which was about one half of London’s needs. He was an inventor, giving us the milk churn and other equipment for the supply, storage and refrigeration of milk, allowing him to reliably transport his milk safely and hygienically, as well as inventions for the production and supply of other dairy productsvvsuch as this slab, cream and milk pails, s and other display and storage for the commercial retail industry.  Around this time the equipment side of the business was separated and became the ‘Dairy Supply Company’ along with 24 retail dairies combined with tea shops. In 1917 the companies merged with other dairy companies to become more efficient in face of the loss of men and horses to the Great War.

Today, the building houses a pizzeria and shown in the last photo, you can see they went all out for the display at the Great Exhibition in the 1880's!

What a great piece to use for serving cheeses or display.   I have a few in my collection and use one with vintage pitchers full of kitchen utensils, oil, salt pepper, etc.  I also use them with a glass cloche / cake dome over them for cookies, etc.  

Measures: 14" x 14" x 2"

Condition:  No chips or cracks.  Has crazing and discoloration on top and a tight hairline in the corner