Polishing iron with curved convex sole for producing glazed finish on starched linen garments - circa 1880.Polishing Metal iron with curved convex sole."5"irons, laundry irons

'Box' irons were heated by red hot charcoal. These first irons were first patented in 1852.Metal 'Box' iron with wooden handle. Specimen of 'Bless' charcoal iron decorated with head of Hephaestos, the Greek God of metal workers.irons, laundry irons

These first irons were first patented in 1852.Metal iron with wooden handle, and curved chimney and damper on the front."Mondraoon U.C."irons, laundry irons

Early examples of Mrs. Potts' irons. First patented in 1871. These irons were in sets of three - with one interchangeable handle.2 metal irons with a metal and bakelite interchangeable handle. "Mrs. Potts' iron pat. Oct 18, 1875." "Mrs. Potts' iron pat. Oct 18, 1875/No./Pat. ground." irons, laundry irons

"Small box iron heated by inserting a red hot metal slug - late 19th Century."Metal "box" iron iron, laundry irons

Petrol irons were introduced in 1902.Chrome pumpless petrol iron with blue wooden handle,"All British Pumpless Iron / Handi Works Brisbane / Handi Hall Mark Product."irons, laundry irons

2 metal flat irons, sizes No. 1 and No. 10. "Silvesters Patent"irons, laundry irons

Mrs Potts' iron used for delicate lace.Small metal Mrs. Potts' iron.irons, laundry irons

Hotpoint electric iron, weight 6 points - circa 1940Early electric metal iron wiht wooden handle."Standard Hotpoint Iron / Pacific Electric Heating Co. / New York - Ontario. Cal. - Chicago"irons, laundry irons

Small metal Dover Sad Iron Model 912"Dover No 912 Sadiron" on baseirons, laundry irons

"Capitol" electric iron with wooden handle. Weight 6 1/4 lbs."Capitol - Submitted to Electric Approvals Board Reference No. AV/DL/O S.E.C.V."irons, laundry irons

Introduced early 1950's and sold until late 1970's.Cream and black Tilley kerosene iron."On Tilley Off"irons, laundry irons

Chrome Pumpless Kerosene Iron with green wooden handle."All British Pumpless Iron / Handi Works Brisbane"irons, laundry irons

BHS CollectionSoftcover book with coloured photograph of a large domestic fireplace with various cooking implements. Contains 32 pages of black and white photographs and diagrams of items used in the home from the Middle Ages to the Victorian Era.Jacqueline Fearndomestic equipment, cooking utensils, cooking methods, home appliances, laundry, lighting, eating utensils

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

Patented RapidWash plunger design with attached wringer. These machines significantly reduced the effort required to launder heavy items compared with hand-washing in a tub.A metal tub 44 centimetres diameter and 50 high supported by three legs that are 24 centimetres long. A metal bar extends 27 centimetres above the tub and has a 66 centimetre long metal bar attached by a hinge, above the middle of the tub this bar has a hinged attachment with a 24 centimetre long metal bar on ii which has a 38 centimetre wide and 24 centimetre high metal conical plunger with a fluted apron on the end of it. The plunger is forced up and down the tub by the lever action of the 66 centimetre bar. A water outlet is in the bottom of the tub. There is a piece of wood six and a half centimetres by two centimetres by 45 centimetres attached to the tub which would have supported a ringer.THE LEHMANN COMPRESSED AIR AND VACUME WASHING MACHINE PAT No 30614/30lehmann, washiing machine, laundry equipmenr

This rare vintage clothes iron is not just a functional item but a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of an earlier era of the 19th century. Crafted from cast iron and featuring a wooden handle, it is a unique piece that adds a touch of authenticity and history to our collection. The inclusion of a funnel and chimney showcases the attention to detail in the design. A rare cast iron charcoal clothes iron with a wooden handle, complete with a funnel and chimney. The goose neck iron has a hollow base into which charcoal is placed. The small hole at the back has a sliding cover that was used to regulate the draft and temperature of the iron. To keep the charcoal glowing, the cover could be opened to allow more air or oxygen in to encourage the charcoal to burn. The iron could be swung back-and-forward to revive the charcoal. The fumes produced by the charcoal are carried away from the clothes by the large funnel that acts like a chimney at the front of the iron. The holes that line the base allow air to circulate and keep the charcoal ambers burning. This vintage clothes iron is not just a functional item but a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of an earlier era. 'S' is stamped in a circle on the back of the iron.flatirons, laundry irons, cast iron laundry irons

Ornamental cast iron trivet from the late 19th Century.A decorative cast iron trivet for a vintage flat iron. It has raised edges around the sides to stop the iron from slipping off. The handle is quite decorative.laundry iron trivets, iron stands

This iron was used by women to press the clothes from the mid 19th century. Coal embers were put inside, heating the base of the iron. Small bellows could be used to fire up the embers in order to keep the iron hot.This item is significant as it represents the appliances used by women from the mid 19th century until the advent of electricity.Brass iron with hinged lid, curved funnel and wooden handle with asbestos standdomestic object, iron, laundry, appliance

Slip-on clothes pegsWooden clothes pegs Pack of 20laundry, clothes pegs

Washing daysWooden wash board with clear glass centre on wooden legs.washing, laundry, housework

non-fictionA Girl at Government House These reminiscences of an English girl 'in service' present a remarkably lively portrait of Australia in the eighteen eighties and nineties. The story is delightfully different, an evocation of a little-documented side of life in nineteenth century Australia. Brisbane during the Jubilee, Sydney Centennial celebrations, and the Melbourne Exhibition provide the background to the colourful, continuous whirl of dinners, balls and garden parties of colonial society. Juxtaposed with the social roundabout are the lives and loves of the ordinary people who were 'a free and easy lot, and homely too'. The charmingly naive Agnes has come from England 'knowing no more than a babe unborn how it came into the world'; her rustic vision quaintly interpreted Australia as 'beautiful flowers without any scent' and fostered the belief that snakes will never die till sunset, however early they are killed'. An adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity lead Agnes from one great house to another. Governors and grooms, ladies and laundry-maids — all are described with enchanting directness and compelling humour. Great care has been take to illustrate Agnes's story with authentic photographs depicting the people and places mentioned in her narrative. Captivating in its freshness, this delightful story is faithfully recorded with sparkling spontaneity. (inside cover)agnes stokes, servant

The Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme (KHES) produced electricity for the people living in the Kiewa Valley and beyond to many parts of Victoria. The people and their families working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme were encouraged by their employer the State Electricity Commission of Victoria to purchase and use electrical appliances. The iron was popular as it was quick and easy compared to those used previously. This iron belonged to Ron White who was a senior member of staff during the construction and operation of the KHES.This iron was owned by Ron White. Ron was appointed Area Operations Engineer at Kiewa in June 1956. He was later appointed as General Superintendent and then in 1974 appointed to principal Hydro Engineer of the recently titled Hydro Division.Electric iron with long cord attached at the side toward the back. Iron shape is of an oblong with pointy front. When laid down, the black handle is at the top with a red button centre front (to choose between steam and dry). Under the handle is the 'turntable' (used to select type of material/heat). At the front of the black is an outlet for the steam. Beneath the black section is the metal shiny cover and solid base.Dial (turntable) - centre red with 'Hoover' and red section on outside with 'steam'. To the left of 'steam' is 'High, Linen, Cotton, Wool'. To the right of 'steam' is 'silk, rayon, nylon'. On the handle at the front "Hoover" in gold.electric appliances; steam iron; electric iron; laundry; ron white; kiewa hydro electric scheme; hoover industries.

Velvet soap used for wash daysBlue box with yellow, red and white. Has sour cakes of soap in box. Box has Velvet and Pure Soap written on box. Net weight when packed 500g Australian made and ownedAs abovesoap, laundry, velvet, pental, washing