56/353

A skimmer used in the butter making process. Holes in the skimmer allow the buttermilk to drain away, leaving butter behind. Used in Surrey.
This skimmer was used during the butter making process. It is made from one piece of wood, with handle to grip. The holes in the botton of the skimmer allow the buttermilk to drain away, leaving only butter behind. This skimmer was used in Surrey.

1 butter skimmer: wood (beech); fair condition- worn away at corners

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This skimmer is 9 1/2 inches long and has a handle which bends back at the top. It is slightly concave and measures 6 inches at the widest part. The skimmer is made entirely of wood and is worn away at one corner. The size and design of the skimmer are the same as the two butter scoops 56/351 and 56/352, but unlike the scoops the skimmer is perforated with rows of small holes for draining. // see 51/54M', MERL ‘History Artefacts’ card – 'Description: A skimmer made from one piece of wood with a knob on the handle which enables a good grip to be ontained when the skimmer is in use. The face of the skimmer has 9 rows of holes in it, to allow the butter milk to drain away. // Use: For skimming off the butter as it formed in the churn.'