These are vintage La Culinaire Petite Classiques Buttermold Sculptures, likely from the 1970s or early 1980s, made in California. This boxed set of four plaster molds was designed to create shaped butter pats—typically used for elegant table settings, holiday dinners, or entertaining. Here's a breakdown of their design, function, and collectible value:
 
📦 Product Overview
Brand: La Culinaire
Model: Petite Classiques Buttermold Sculptures
Material: Unglazed ceramic/plaster molds
Made in: California, USA
Design: Each mold pair creates a fan shell or scallop design
Packaging: Original box with complete instruction sheet
 
🧈 How They Work
These molds are used to create shaped butter pats. You pack softened butter into the chilled molds (without removing the rubber bands), then refrigerate or freeze the molds before gently separating them to reveal a detailed, sculpted butter form. The shell shape is classic and elegant, reminiscent of French or seafood dining aesthetics. The included instructions even note how to re-cast and clean the molds—something many modern kitchen molds don't provide.
 
🪄 Styling & Use Suggestions
Use for entertaining with a vintage flair: think seafood towers, baguette boards, or high tea spreads.
Also suitable for molding chocolate, fondant, or soft cheese, though originally intended for butter.
Great hostess gift, especially paired with a small batch of compound butters or gourmet salts.
Display-worthy: These can double as kitchen shelf decor when not in use—especially in a French country or cottagecore-style kitchen.
 
💸 Resale & Collectibility
Condition Notes:
Complete set with original box (not in great condition) and printed instructions
Some minor chipping and staining on the molds (visible in close-ups) is common due to their soft material
Handmade nature and dated manufacturing location (California) add a layer of charm for collectors of Americana kitchenware.