Pastry Book Appraisal

Davis Master Pattern Baking Formulas Cookbook/Booklet

This item is identified as a vintage cookbook or recipe booklet titled "Davis Master Pattern Baking Formulas." The physical characteristics indicate a softcover or paperback binding, likely constructed from cardstock or thick paper. The overall size appears to be a standard small to medium booklet format, suitable for kitchen use. The color palette of the cover predominantly features a vibrant orangey-red base color, adorned with an intricate, repeating pattern in shades of off-white/cream and greyish-green. The pattern includes stylized floral or botanical motifs, giving it a somewhat Mid-Century Modern or retro aesthetic. A prominent rectangular panel on the front cover in bright yellow features the title in black seriffed and sans-serif fonts: "Davis" positioned at the top with a distinctive red dot over the 'i', followed by "MASTER PATTERN" in smaller sans-serif text, and then "BAKING FORMULAS" in large, bold, black sans-serif capital letters. The typography and graphic design strongly suggest a mid-20th century origin, likely 1940s to 1960s. Visible condition issues include noticeable wear on the edges and corners, particularly the bottom left corner, where there is clear creasing and slight fraying or loss of material, indicating regular handling and age. The cover also shows general surface dirt, scuffs, and possibly some minor staining consistent with a well-used item from its era. The spine is not fully visible, but the overall presentation suggests a staple-bound or thin perfect-bound construction. Despite the wear, the colors remain relatively vibrant, and the text is clearly legible, indicating a good quality print process for its time. There are no discernible maker's marks beyond the "Davis" brand name, which likely refers to a company producing baking ingredients (e.g., baking powder). The unique aspect of this item lies in its specific focus on 'master pattern' baking formulas, suggesting a systematic approach to baking, which would have been valuable to home bakers or even small commercial operations of its period. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced educational or promotional booklets of the era, functional and visually appealing.