Throughout contemporary history, there has been an attempt to guarantee that each item within a household kitchen is as adorable as possible. Be it
vintage cookie jar
Shaped like Little Red Riding Hood or resembling a rubber duck tea infuser, the adorableness has encouraged many people to begin collecting them. A common collection you might encounter, whether online or in person, involves cow-shaped creamers.
Cow creamers, also known as cow-shaped containers used for pouring cream (or milk) into coffee or tea, are the most common type of novelty creamer. As reported,
Culinary Institute of America
Cow creamers first appeared in Staffordshire, England during the 18th century. Initially crafted from hand-painted porcelain, their popularity persisted and even increased throughout the 20th century as more kitchenware began to be produced en masse.
Below is a list of various cow creamers you may come across when browsing through thrift stores, estate sales, or Etsy.
Silver cow creamers
These shiny metal cow creamers represent the pinnacle of sophistication but are notably impractical. Silver cow creamers made their debut in England during the late 1700s thanks to Dutch silversmith John Schuppe, an individual surprisingly associated with this distinctive creation.
Wikipedia page
. Since they are silver, they need to be
polished
It needs to be washed regularly using gentle hand washing methods involving soap, water, and a microfiber cloth.
Search for a maker’s mark which can be found on the cow’s hoof, underside of its body, or occasionally on the curved tail used as a pour handle.
Group for Small Enthusiasts of Vintage Silver
features several instances of those symbols on its website.
Staffordshire cow creamers
The “Staffordshire” designs stand out as among the earliest and most distinctive cow creamers. The earlier examples feature a robust base that looks like a little mound of grass and a
hand-painted surface
In today’s market, creamers stamped with the Staffordshire hallmark continue to fetch a fair price on eBay—even if they are touristy reproductions.
German cow creamers
Similar to contemporary refrigerator magnets, cow-shaped creamers could often be found adorning shelves at souvenir stores in popular travel spots during the middle of the 20th century.
this example
Advertising a German ski resort that was recently sold for $55. Keep an eye out specifically for the Goebel marking.
How can I determine if a cow-shaped creamer is considered vintage?
When you’re dealing with collectibles, the maker’s mark will tell the story. As long as you have even a partial marking on the creamer to indicate where it was made, that will help you track down more information about its potential value—collectors are fastidious record-keepers in this way. Without the mark or any kind of sticker, it becomes nearly impossible to determine what you’ve got.
If the creamer has a bell around the cow’s neck, this might provide additional clues about its age. The bell could deteriorate more quickly than the glazed ceramic it’s connected to.
To sidestep the disappointment of spending a lot on something with questionable worth, it could be wiser to buy what appeals most to you and use it as planned. However, obviously, I lack the passion of a genuine antique collector.
Is my milk substitute made from dairy products worth something?
It might be possible, particularly if your creamer comes as part of a complete set or includes a lid.
Full sets
Creamer frequently comes as part of an ensemble that includes a sugar bowl and salt and pepper shakers. The entire matched set tends to have greater worth when all pieces are present together.
Anything with a lid
The cover for the reservoir on the cow’s back typically consists of a small, saucer-like piece made from stoneware. This implies that an vintage milk pitcher might eventually misplace its top over many years. Should you come across a cow-shaped creamer,
with the lid intact
It’s a well-maintained item and is expected to display minimal signs of use (such as scuffed hooves or fading paint).
