Mold (3) Antique

Set of three antique Dutch cookie boards / speculaas boards – including rare double-sided Vrijer & Vrijster (70 cm) with tally mark – 19th century

Object: Lot of 3 antique cookie- / speculaas boards (bakers’ moulds / folk art)

Origin: Netherlands

Dating: 19th century (early to mid 19th century)

Material: Artisanal hand-stabbed beechwood (including quartered beech)

Dimensions:

Board 1 (Double-sided Vrijer/Vrijster): 70 × 17.5 × 3.0 cm

Board 2 (Five-slot printing/line-up board): approx. 60–65 cm long

Board 3 (Three-slot prentenboard): approx. 55–60 cm long

Condition: Very good, authentic state with a beautiful warm, well-worn patina in keeping with the age and traditional bakery use.

Description:
A particularly beautiful and decorative ensemble of three authentic Dutch cookie- and speculaas boards, richly and deeply hand-carved from solid beechwood, among others. Such boards form the heart of Dutch folk art and bakers’ history.

1. Monumental double-sided board: 'Vrijer & Vrijster' (70 × 17.5 × 3 cm)
The absolute centerpiece of this lot. A sturdy, heavy board with deep relief on both sides:

Side A – The Vrijer: Richly detailed with boots on a base, breeches, braids and leaf motifs and an elegant woven wreath ornament.

Side B – The Vrijster: Woman figure in traditional clothing with the characteristic lace cap/dominant cap, a cinched jacket and a lavish skirt in which a classical ornamental vase with floral motifs is incorporated.

Edge: Equipped with an authentic carved tally/ pairing mark (H-shaped notch), used by the baker to instantly recognize sets and pairs in the bakery.

2. Five-slot prentenboard / line-up board
A long, elongated line-up board with five classic, highly beloved folk-art motifs:

Rider on horseback with hat
Mermaid with fish tail and bare chest
Dutch sailing ship (trident/merchant ship) with full sails
Rooster with an exuberant tail (symbol of vigilance and prosperity)
Warrior/soldier in action on a horse

3. Three-slot prentenboard
A deeply carved board with three narrative scenes:

Wealthily adorned ornamental vase/flower basket (abundance and happiness)
Occupational scene: Miller innkeeper at a wooden cask/barrel
Strolling courting couple in 19th-century attire with walking stick and a watchful small dog at their feet

Condition:
All three boards are in excellent, collectible original condition. No breaks or restorations. The wood exhibits a deep, warm hue and the characteristic crazing and signs of use that suit 19th-century bakers’ tools.