Kerosene irons were used c1930 - 1950 especially where electricity wasn't available. Shelite was another fuel that could be used instead of kerosene. The advantage of the kerosene iron was that it didn't require a stove to be lit (especially in summer) to heat the iron and it didn't require electricity.Residents in the Kiewa Valley used kerosene irons.This black iron is made of cast iron with a steel base and a black wooden handle. This Comfort iron has a ball shaped container with a screw-on lid to hold the fuel (kerosene or Shelite). At the bottom of this ball is a pipe going down then meeting another pipe at right angles to it leading into the iron. At the pipe junction there is a handle on a screw to limit the amount of fuel. The Kerosene would flow through this pipe. There is a filler plug air stem on top. This is a self-heating iron.Comfort iron / Self Heating Comfort Iron MFD by / National Stamping and Electric Works / made in U.S.A. Chicago iron, domestic, laundry, pressing clothes, household, kerosene, shelite

Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) 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. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today.Clothes Iron, wedge shaped, cast iron painted black with cylindrical handle small funnel through centre of handle.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry equipment, sad iron, domestic object

Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) 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. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today.Clothes Iron, wedge shaped, cast iron painted black with cylindrical handle small funnel through centre of handle.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry equipment, sad iron, domestic object

Used for ironing clothes, heated on stove. These irons came in various sizes, this is a number "7".Black cast iron"Silvester Patent Salter". "7"flatirons, laundry equipment

A clothes iron is used, when heated, to press clothes to remove wrinkles and creases.The early irons were heated over a stove or in a fire. Irons were used very early in time and cast-iron irons during the 18th century. Mrs. Potts invented many irons starting from an early age thus making a difference to the clothing industry. She invented clothes irons with detachable wooden handles. Her first patent was in October 1870.This iron was used in the Kiewa Valley.Vintage cast iron body invented by Mrs Mary Florence Potts 1890s to 1940s. Detachable wooden handle (not attached) was cooler than a metal handle. It is double pointed for ironing in both directions. Body is hollow the top part being held by two screws. It can be filled with a light material. The No. 1 size is for specific ironing task. compared with No. 2 or No. 3. One handle with other bases enabled some to be reheating while using one. This iron has a stand. Formerly KV88B)Mrs Potts / No. 1 / Iron"" embossed on the topmary florence potts iron, cast iron, laundry, mrs potts

This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons and required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No. 1 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) see KVHS 0369 for No. 3 ironMrs Potts No. 1house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance

This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations i.e., ironed clothes and linen.The iron was heated by using locally acquired wood in a cast iron stove or "pot Belly". It would be placed on top of the stove but not directly in the flames. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons which required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity, to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances in that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No.3 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) Note: one end is pointed up to allow the natural weight of the iron to increase the pressure at any of the "hard to press" spots or emphasizing required creases. see KVHS 0368 for No. 1 ironMrs Potts No. 3house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance

Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. The detachable insulated handle was designed to be always cool for ironing. The handle was detachable, so that several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped between several bodies. This handle appears to belong to a Mrs Potts' sad iron - Reg. No. 1885. This item is an example of an invention that was universally adopted because it meant that users could keep several irons on the stove at one time and the handle swapped when needed. The original Mrs Potts irons had handles made of wood (walnut) and this enabled the user to us the iron without sustaining burns. The item reminds us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the early families in Orbost A wooden handle which has been painted green. The base is made of cast aluminium and is attached to the handle by two screws ( not original). In the base is a hinged piece for attaching to the iron, held to the base plate by a spring and operated by a wooden knob for quick release. A hook holds the handle to the iron.On the base is an indecipherable number.handle sad-iron flat-iron mrs-potts domestic laundry

Purchased at a clearing sale.Simple flat iron with heavy metal base and a curved handle riveted to the base.Aallansford, irons, ironing, laundry equipment

Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) 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. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today.Clothes Iron, wedge shaped, cast iron painted black with cylindrical handle small funnel through centre of handle.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry equipment, sad iron, domestic object

Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) 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. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today. Flat iron cast iron with traces of original black finish on handle. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry, clothes ironing, sad iron, tailors goose

From the 17th century, sadirons or sad irons (from an old word meaning solid) began to be used. They were thick slabs of cast iron, delta - shaped and with a handle, heated in a fire. These were also called flat irons. Another solution was to employ a cluster of solid irons that were heated from the single source: as the iron currently in use cools down, it could be quickly replaced by another one that is hot. Source: www.wikipedia.orgLocal social history, domestic itemBlack cast iron with handleon top plate but not decipherabledomestic, iron, work, womens, laundry

Sad-irons or "solid" irons were made by blacksmiths and used to smooth out material by pressing the hot iron over it. 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.. The women used 2 irons - one heating while the other was used. Thick cloth or gloves protected their hands from the hot irons. The handle was removed from the cool iron and re- attached to remove the hot iron from the fire. The cool iron was replaced on the fire or stove to heat again. Mrs Florence Potts invented in 1871 a detachable handle made from walnut wood with a metal latch to release the handle. These wooden handles prevented burned hands and were sold to grateful women all over the world. These irons were cleaned with steel wool to prevent them marking the material. If the iron was too hot the material would scorch. Most homes set aside one day for ironing and some large households had an ironing room with a special stove designed to heat irons. However, most women had to work with a heavy, hot iron close to the fireplace even in summer.Mrs Florence Potts invented this type of detachable walnut wood handle with a meta release latch for sad irons in 1871 and it sold widely throughout the world to grateful women including those in Moorabbin Shire. The family of Ms May Curtis were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA) A sad iron, made of cast iron , has a special handle invented in 1871 by Mrs Florence Potts of Iowa, USA. B) The detachable handle made of walnut wood to prevent burned hands, was attached to the iron by a metal latch.A) UNITED/ N0 / 50 / AUSTRALIApotts florence, iowa usa, melbourne, moorabbin, sad irons, kitchen equipmentn fireplaces, walnut wood, sewing, laundry, table ware, linen, pioneers, early settlers, washing days, craftwork

c1881 Henry W Seely, of New Jersey, USA, designed and patented an electric sad iron for pressing and smoothing material. He continued to modify and improve his designs, with his partner Richard Dyer, and other electrical appliance firms, e.g Hotpoint, began producing these flat irons that could provide continuous heat by connecting via an electrical flex to a light socket and hence without the need for hot fires, ash, or burning hot handles. Women with access to an electricity supply were delighted and their ironing chore became much less arduous No heat was felt at all from the iron as it is all concentrated on the bottom surface. By the early 20th century enthusiasm was building for the new electric smoothing irons: clean, powerful, adjustable, and labour-saving. This c1935 Premier System 'Smoothwell' flat iron was used by a resident of City of Moorabbin and is an example of the progress made from the sad irons used by the pioneers that are displayed beside it.A "Premier Smoothwell" electric flat iron with switched control lead and original box, c 1935 On plate of handle attached to Iron ' HARRODS Ltd. / LONDON On attached plate at rear of iron ' The "SMOOTHWELL" / "Premier System" /......... Plate on cord Plug " PREMIER/ FLAT IRON CONNECTOR/ THIS SIDE OUTWARDS/ (2 columns) 1) FOR 100-125 VOLTS/ USE THREE TERMINALS/ THUS ..... 2) FOR 200 - 240 VOLTS/ USE TWO RIGHT/ HAND TERMINALS/ ONLY/ THUS......seely henry w., sad irons, electric flat irons, dyer richard, edison thomas, hotpoint pty ltd., premier electric company birmingham england, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, laundry, sewing, craftwork, table ware, irons

Simpson Pty Ltd Melbourne produced this Black 'Erasive Soap' early in 20th C At this time men wore detachable starched collars attached to .the shirt by buttons or studs. Men also used olive oil to 'slick' down their hair so collars on shirts and coats became grimey. This soap claims to clean stains from all clothes, coat collars and even carpets.Early settlers in Moorabbin shire wore detachable starched collars that were buttoned onto the shirt, This black 'erasive soap' claims to clean collars and remove stains from coats and even carpets A small cardboard box containing an unused bar of black soap manufactured by Simpsons Pty Ltd Melbourne Box Front; Simpsons / ERASIVE / SOAP / CLEANS CLOTHES CLEAN / AND HAS DONE FOR OVER / 50 YEARS Back; Simpsons / ERASIVE SOAP / DEFINITELY DOES / CLEAN COAT COLLARS AND EFFECTIVELY REMOVES SPOTS / AND STAINS FROM ALL CLOTHES / SIMPSONS MANUFACTURING Pty Ltd / MELBOURNE SideS; THE ORIGINAL BLACK SOAP / IN A NEW PACKAGE; WILL REMOVE SPOTS FROM CARPET Ends; SIMPSONS SOAP / THE SPOT REMOVER; SIMPSONS SOAP / FOR CLEANING COAT COLLARS SOAP ; Back ; trademark / SIMPSONS / ERASIVE / SOAP / REGISTERED ; Front ; A.C.L. soap, washing, cleaning, laundry, early settlers, pioneers, collars, shirts, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, highett, cheltenham, washing wringers, mangles, flat irons

Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) 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. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today. Flat iron cast iron with stand None item too badly corrodedflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry, clothes ironing, sad iron, tailors goose

Ornamental cast iron trivets from the late 19th Century.Two vintage decorative cast iron trivets for vintage flat irons. They have have three legs and raised edges around the sides to stop the iron from slipping off. The handle on one is quite decorative, but the other has a broken handle.'T Johnson' is stamped on the bottom of both trivets. One has illegible stamp.laundry iron trivets, iron stands