Showing 1083 items
matching women's clothing
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City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby’s christening gown, c1900
This baby’s long, white cotton christening gown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA baby’s long, white cotton, christening gown with pin-tucks and bodice tiesclothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck, christening service, rites, baptism -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby’s dress collar, c1900
This detachable collar for a baby’s dress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA detachable collar, for a baby’s dress, with a lace edge,clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby's singlet and over-jacket, c1900
This baby’s lawn, singlet over-jacket is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA baby’s, white lawn, singlet over-jacketclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, girl’s pinafore, c1900
... Cottage Museum) Joyce Park Jasper Road Ormond melbourne Clothing ...This girl's white pinafore with inset lace is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A girl’s white, cotton pinafore with inset lace clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, lady's blouse, c1970
This is typical of the style of blouse worn by young women c1970 and produced by the many thriving clothing manufacturers in Melbourne at that time.Circa 1970s. Lady's white polyester 'sissy' blouse"Columbo" 10melbourne, clothing, moorabbin, bentleigh, dressmaking, textiles, polyester, fashion 1970 -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Haberdashery, baby’s pram layette, early 20thC
... and craftsmanship of the women of these families. clothing brighton ...This baby’s pram layette is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in early 20thCEarly settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families.A baby’s pram layette in pale gold satin-type material, with ruching and hand embroideryclothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Haberdashery, nightdress case, c1900
... is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer ...This crocheted nightdress envelope is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A white, hand-crocheted, cotton nightdress ‘envelope’clothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, lady’s aprons, early 20thC
These 3 hand-embroidered cotton aprons are an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire early 20th centuryEarly settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Curtis family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireThese 3 lady’s cotton aprons are hand –embroidered, with bibs and waist ties.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, curtis may -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, lady's aprons, early 20thC
These lady’s hand-embroidered aprons are examples of the dressmaking and craft skills of the women of the families who had settled in the Moorabbin Shire early 20thCThe skill and craftsmanship shown in these aprons is an example of the clothing made by the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire. The family of M. Curtis were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire3 unbleached cotton lady's aprons with bib and ties and colourful hand-embroidery and a crocheted edgeclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, crochet, bentleigh, early settlers, craftwork, curtis may -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Haberdashery, napkins hand-embroidered, early 20thC
... of the women of these families clothing brighton moorabbin linen ...These 3 hand-embroidered cotton napkins are an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire early 20thC Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families 3 hand-embroidered cotton dinner napkinsclothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Kitchen equipment, sad iron, c1880
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. 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.These sad irons remind us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the pioneers and early settlers of Moorabbin Shire. The family of Miss M Curtis were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. Sad-iron, domestic, flat, cast iron, Silvester's Patent, No 6, Salter, England, c. 1890-1900s A sad iron made from cast iron was heated over a fire or on a stove and used for pressing clothing and table wareSILVESTER'S/ PATENT/ SALTERS / No 6 with the pretzel & a arrow going through the centresad iron, kitchen equipment, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, sewing, craftwork, clothing, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, fireplaces, stoves -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Kitchen Equipment, flat iron with trivet stand, c1880
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. 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. These sad irons remind us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the pioneers and early settlers of Moorabbin Shire The family of Miss M Curtis were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. A) A heavy cast iron, flat iron with B) horseshoe shaped trivet stand c1880 The trivet can be attached to a table by an adjustable clamp.A) 5 on tip of ironsad iron, kitchen equipment, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, sewing, craftwork, clothing, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, fireplaces, stoves -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Wertheim Sewing Machine, c1880
Hugo Wertheim (1854–1919) arrived in Melbourne in 1875. He became a successful agent for sewing machines manufactured by his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim in Frankfurt, Germany. Hugo married Joseph’s daughter Sophie Emilie and they settled in Melbourne. Hugo made many trips back to the main factory in Germany and, with extensive advertising, established a thriving business for sewing machines, bicycles, pianos under various ‘brand names’ - Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin, Hapsburg. It has been said that Dame Nellie Melba preferred a Wertheim piano for her performances. In 1908 Hugo opened a large piano factory in Bendigo St Richmond, Victoria. His son Herbert maintained the business until the factory closed in 1935.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This sewing machine was one of many items they used to exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A sewing machine was a necessary part of each home.A Wertheim hand–crank sewing machine c1880. The hand machine was operated by turning the handle. The hand machine could also be fitted to a stand with table and draws, the machine could then be used by hand or foot. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment 'WERTHEIM' across body of machinemelbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, germany, piano, pioneers, richmond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, sewing machines, wertheim hugo, wertheim joseph -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Craft - Craftwork, tape measure c 1880, c1880
... and clothing. The women of these families were skilful in all craftwork ...c1880 This tiny tape measure, in Imperial measurements, was part of a Victorian era lady's sewing basket. The case is of polished timber, and the little winder, to retract the tape, is made of brass with a small ivory handleEarly settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant producing their own food and making their farm equipment and clothing. The women of these families were skilful in all craftwork.c1880 this tiny, retractable, tape measure, in Imperial measure, is made of polished timber with a brass winder and ivory handle. Imperial ‘inch’ measurements on tape dressmaking, tape measure, sewing, craftwork, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh cheltenham -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Kitchen Equipment, sad iron with lifter, c1900
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 using the lifter the cool iron was replaced on the fire or stove to heat again. 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.These sad irons remind us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the pioneers and early settlers of Moorabbin Shire. The Curtis family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA) This heavy sad iron, made from cast iron, was heated over a fire or on a stove and used for pressing clothing and haberdashery. B) The separate tapered handle was used to lift the hot iron from the fire and when a "Potts" Handle was attached the ironing commenced. sad iron, kitchen equipment, fireplaces, stoves, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, sewing, craftwork, clothing, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, lady's stockings, Circa 1920s- 30s
... with women c1920 -- 30 clothing lingerie hosiery moorabbin bentleigh ...These stockings were very popular with women c1920 -- 30A pair of Beau Monde, size 8 1/2, unworn ladies grey cotton lisle stockings. Back seam, with fully fashioned heel and toe. (Stockings were held up by a garter belt.)BEAU MONDE / Size 8 1/2 clothing, lingerie, hosiery, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, beau monde pty ltd, market gardeners, early settlers, maggs nancy -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c. 1902
Taken in c. 1902, depicted is a group of adults and children dressed in formal clothing, with some of the women in the crowd carrying parasols, standing and sitting around and upon the rock at Queen Victoria Park on the Ford Street side of the park. This group is celebrating the official opening of the park. On top of the rock is a gas lamp post.Originally known as the Beechworth Botanical Gardens, the Queen Victoria Park features a extensive collection of historic trees and plants, which have been listed on the Indigo Shire’s Significant Tree Register. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 3716 (in black pen)/ 97.2273 (in pencil)/entertainment album, beechworth, queen victoria park, gardens & parks, opening, burke museum -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
The photograph depicts one young man and two young women. They are all dressed in casual clothing.The photograph provides insight into entertainment, performance and recreation in Beechworth during the 1950s. The item's interpretive capacity is enhanced by its strong relationship to other photographs in the catalogue. Collectively, these records enrich the community's understanding of how the arts have developed in Beechworth since the mid-twentieth century.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5664 / t / O /entertainment, entertainment album, beechworth, 1950s, arts, recreation, theatrical group, theatre -
Shepparton RSL Sub Branch
Uniform, Cape, C. 1950s
This cape may have belonged to RAN Telegraphist Norma Ashton Kilfoyle, however the date of her service is not consistent with the style of the article (which has buttons which suggest this cape was issued post 1952 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II). It is possible, though not confirmed, that this cape was worn by Norma Kilfoyle in a later role after the Second World War.Black thigh-length nurses cape with red satin lining. Fastened along centre with four gold buttons and one press stud at chin (second button from the top is missing). Two slits at waist height on both left and right allow arms through from the interior to the front. Embroidered manufacturer’s label on interior at base of neck, below which there is an ink inscription. Sewn in fabric swatch on interior right.Handwritten inscription reads “KILFOYLE”. Manufacturer’s label reads “[Australian coat of arms]/A Quality Garment/BY/Australian Government Clothing Factory”. Interior sewn in label reads “33643/Kilfoyle/Cloak F Bara/[indiscernible characters]”. Buttons read “[Queen Elizabeth crown over the Navy anchor]/AUSTRALIA” and on interior “STOKES/MELB”cape, second world war, world war two, world war ii, navy, royal australian navy, ran, women, telegraph, communications -
Shepparton RSL Sub Branch
Cutlery Set, Grosvenor, c. 2000s
This cutlery set mirrors older examples held in the collection (K04) and may have been manufactured as recently as the 2000s. The manufacturer's name "GROSVENOR" and the defence symbol of the broad arrow indicates that the equipment was produced by an external company.This set is representative of a typical set issued to contemporary servicemen and women and as such, has social significance as a ubiquitous relic of service. The set has strong interpretive capacity, being able to draw on issues of equipment, food, technological shifts over time. The set also represents a shift in defence equipment production from government-run manufacturing, with the Australian Government Clothing Factory and Australian Defence Apparel etc., to outsourced contracted production with existing manufacturers such as Grosvenor, an established cutlery manufacturing company.Three piece fork, knife and spoon set held together by a flat headed pin on the knife handle which clips into corresponding holes on fork and knife handles. Handles are curved (concave) in centre. Spoon has engraving "[broad arrow] GROSVENOR 381"; Fork has engraving "[broad arrow] GROSVENOR 381"; Knife has engraving "[broad arrow] GROSVENOR 3".cutlery, knife, fork, spoon, food, equipment, ration -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Newspaper Clippings, Folder of 1920s-1950s newspaper clippings and magazine features relating to clothing patterns collected by Mrs. Jessie Hill, Ringwood district resident, 1927 - 1951
Mrs Jessie Hill's collection of cuttings from the 'Leader' from 1927 with photos of special events. Part of copies of the 'Women's Weekly' from 1951 (mostly covers).Mrs Jessie Hill's collection of cuttings in burgundy coloured cardboard covers with navy blue cloth spine and corners.; On Front: 'New Summer Patterns, Suitings, Trouserings, Vestings, etc.' +Additional Keywords: Hill, Mrs JessieOn Front: 'New Summer Patterns, Suitings, Trouserings, Vestings, etc.' -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Fur Collar, 1930’S
The donors of this fur collar believe the collar to be between 80-90 years old. It was worn by the donor’s grandmother and mother as an accessory to Warrnambool and district balls and dances. It may have also been worn for warmth! The donors believe the fur would have been purchased in either Melbourne or Toorak. This fur could have been worn by either men or women. This fur collar is representative of fashion accessories in Warrnambool and District in the 1930’s.Fur collar, 1930’s. Rabbit fur collar, wide lapels, very soft fur with dyed pattern of light and dark brown stripes. Collar is lined with a heavy dark green woollen fabric. Between the fur and the lining there is a felt interfacingflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, fur collar, fur stole, fur accessory, clothing 1930’s, fashion 1930’s, fashion accessory, rabbit fur -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Bonnet, late 1800s - early 1900s
This style of bonnet was commonly worn outdoors by women in South West Victoria in the late 1800s - early 1900sThe bonnet is significant as a typical of women's outdoor headwear in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th century.Ladies outdoor bonnet, white cotton with narrow mauve stripes and small flowers. Bonnet is trimmed with frills and straps to tie under the chin. Dated late 19th to early 20th century.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ladies bonnet, outdoor bonnet, hat, bonnet, headwear, ladies clothing, late 19th century bonnet, early 20th century bonnet, women's fashion, australian fashion, australian millinery -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clothing - Childs Dress
The fabric of this child's dress includes 'Broderie Anglaise, a form of needlework involving patterns of holes that are each stitched to form a finish that will not fray. The dress features a homemade button.. This handcraft dates back to the 1500s. It became popular in the 1800s and early 1900s, particularly for women's nightwear and underclothing.This child's dress has handcraft and needlework skills that were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The dress also features a homemade button.Child's dress, white fabric, with short sleeves, gathered waist and scalloped hemline. The bodice and shirt have Broderie Anglaise embroidery inserts, with the holes formed into a star pattern. The bodice insert is a 'V' shape. The back has a ribbon tie and is finished with a homemade button.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, child's dress, clothing, embroidery, broderie anglaise, handmade button, handmade dress, child's fashion, dressmaker, handcraft, needlework, lacework -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Cushion Pin, unknown, circa mid to late 1900's
This pin cushion was in use when home spun "fashion" clothing was manufactured or altered. When this item was used it was in a period when distances from haberdashery stores was too far and mail ordered clothing would take weeks to arrive.The ability to make and alter clothing for families within the Kiewa Valley and its regions was a domestic requirement up until the later period(1960's onwards)This pin cushion, although rarely used in the 21st Century, with the availability of "cheap" throw away clothes, was very important to a well run rural household. The emphasis for girls to be able to sew and repair clothing was generated by mothers and continued at high schools. Part of the role of women(in this time frame) within the family was to manufacture children's clothing and adjust the growing waistline of their men folk. This item is very significant to the rural households in the Kiewa Valley because of the relative isolation of the region and the amount of wear and tear that clothes go through in a typical rural environment.This pin cushion is "home" made, circular and covered in a blue floral material, encircled with a light blue ribbon (glued on) for extra adhesion. The material encloses a padded surface(allows pins to be safely inserted for storage(future use).sewing, pin-cushion, haberdashery -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Undergarment Child, local seemstress or mother
local manufacture either a seemstress or a mother. Time Circa 1920s to 1940s. Distance from towns with haberdasheries would force local manufacture of garments by highly skilled women.Historical period Circa 1920s to 1940s was before easy access to branded manufactured clothes. Majority of basic clothing was hand made either family or skilled friends and neighbours This is Garment is cross referenced to KVHS 0249 and KVHS 0248 and details the growth of a young childGarment has sleeveless top attached to pantaloons at waist and open crotch and going down inner leg seam to 8cm from bottom. Bottom section of each leg adorned with crocheted lace and two pin tucks around bottom of the legs. Top back of garment has three "Mother of Pearl" buttons and narrow 8 mm wide shoulder cross reference to KVHS 0249 and KVHS 0240 straps. Machine stitched cream in colourvest, underwear, child's clothing -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Hat Pin
... when outdoors clothing millinery costume women hat accessory ...Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsPin head consists of one eight petaled flower, two seed pods half open and one long leaf connecting leaf with seed pods. pin head and shaft are gold coloured. see KVHS 0352 for same pin except details are highlighted with darkened outlines(may be dirt)clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Pin Hat, circa 1920 - 1950
... when outdoors clothing millinery costume women hat accessory ...Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has a yellow/amber glass ball head. It in is the same style to KVHS 0357 and KVHS 0359clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Pin Hat, circa 1920 - 1950
... when outdoors clothing millinery costume women hat accessory ...Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsA long hat pin with a royal blue glass head. It is in the same style to items KVHS 0357 and KVHS 0358clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Iron Hand, circa 1867 to circa 1871
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