Butter Stamp

This butter stamp was used to imprint butter produce before selling it at market. Each butter maker had their own unique stamp (a branding so to speak) – this was important for quality purposes as butter makers could be fined if their butter was found to be below required standard! A lady from Ballinahalla, Moycullen, appeared in Galway Petty Session Court after being reported by Sgt Downey, the Inspector of Foods, for exactly this crime at Galway market on 23 November 1916 – her butter contained 24.8% water, surpassing the acceptable limit of 16%! The fine was 20 Shillings plus 12 Shillings costs or 14 days in Jail – she paid the fine!