The association with irresistible confectionary as well as the wide variety of fun and nostalgic forms make vintage chocolate molds very desirable. An established collecting field in the US, metal molds are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.
Novelty or themed molds began to be widely used from the late 1800s, growing in popularity and reaching their apex during the 1920s and 1930s. Makers at this time were centerd in Germany, but firms also existed in France and the US.
Typical molds range from between around four and seven inches in length and depict everything from bunnies riding dolphins to swords and rifles. Many typical examples can be picked up for around £40-150, but large or unusual designs can fetch far more. A large German mold made by the notable maker Anton Reiche and shaped as a Zeppelin – a rare and hugely popular form – could be worth around $5,000-8,000 (£3,000-4,000), while an enormous Eppelsheimer 37in rabbit, holding 30lb of chocolate may cost around $20,000-25,0000 (£10,000-12,000)! Marked, and particularly dated, examples in general are desirable. The clips used to hold together the two sides of molds are rarely original and have little effect on value.
Well-known makers included H.Walter of Berlin, Sommet of Paris and Eppelsheimer of New York. Reiche is considered one of the best and most prolific mold makers. Founded in 1870, over 50,000 designs were produced. The company exported to the US via T.C Weygandt of New York, from 1885 until 1939, when WWII broke out. The factory was destroyed during the war, to re-open in Communist East Germany in 1950 and then to close finally in 1972.
Many molds are unmarked, but their style and manufacture can help to identify makers. Some used a symbol, such as Sommet's stylized fish and Eppelsheimer’s spinning top. Walter was the only maker that stamped its mold numbers on the inside. Materials can also help with identification and dating. Tin-plated copper came first, used until the late 1890s, followed by tin-plated steel (the most commonly found material), and finally nickel-plated steel and Nickel silver, both of which have a different feel and shiny silvery appearance. Stamped numbers found on many molds indicate the catalog number, enabling pieces to be ordered from makers’ catalogs.
