FLAT IRONS OR SAD IRONS c1880- 1910
These triangular shaped irons were made of solid cast iron with hollow iron handles, by blacksmiths. Used to smooth out material by pressing the iron over it. They were made in a numbered series which related to their size, but there did not appear to be any standardisation in the series between manufacturers. Width: 16 centimetres, Height: 12 centimetres.
A piece of sheet iron was placed over the kitchen fire and the irons placed on it could be heated whilst remaining clean of ash. These had metal handles which had to be gripped using a glove, a pad or thick rag. The “sad” is an old English word for solid and is often used to distinguish the largest and heaviest of flat irons. At least two irons were needed on the go together for an effective system, one would be in use, and the other re-heating.
Most homes set aside one day for ironing and some large households had an ironing room with a special stove designed to heat irons.
MRS FLORENCE POTTS COLD HANDLE SAD IRON c1890-1940s
Mrs Potts, of Iowa, USA, invented this type of detachable walnut wood handle for sad irons in 1871. The “sad” is an old English word for solid and is often used to distinguish the largest and heaviest of flat irons. The insulated wooden handle prevented burnt hands as it was always cool for ironing. The handle was removed from the cool iron and reattached to remove the hot iron from the fire. The handle was attached to the iron by a metal latch. Several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped when needed.
SPIRIT-FUELLED SAD IRON
Fuel-powered sad irons were invented to solve the problems associated with traditional coal irons. Coal irons required coal to be constantly heated, removed and replaced from the iron, and the subsequent coal dust and soot from fires would make the garments being ironed dirty.
The fuel-powered irons date to the turn of the 20th century. They had a metal tank for the spirit fuel: benzene, kerosene,
CHARCOAL IRON
This is a flat iron with the base made into a box in which to put charcoal which would keep the iron hotter for a longer time.
This large black ornate charcoal iron has a chimney on the top, a carved wooden handle and a hollow base into which the charcoal is placed. The opening at the top of the base has a sliding cover that is used to regulate the temperature of the iron.
