TABS
Tabs were also sometimes used on hinges to limit opening, see Tabs (under the Hinges section). Some images may be clicked to view a larger, more detailed image.
I. Finger Tabs
To make it easier to open ice cream moulds finger tabs were soldered to the edge opposite the hinge. Later they were cast with the mould. When one mould was used for both halves of the mould the finger tabs ended up directly opposite each other. Gradually the space between the tabs has widened. Later finger tabs became longer.
II. Pattes
Wide and long tabs, of pewter or sometimes tin, were added by Letang to make the flange of chocolate moulds more accessible. They often add their marks to the tabs which they called pattes. 'Pattes' is a french word that means 'paws' (or tabs). Pattes were first soldered or welded to the flange. Later they were extended up the side of the mould. A wedge of solder was introduced in the angle, and finally the solder was covered with a strut from the vertical to the horizontal portion of the patte.
