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

Coleman, originally known for making lanterns, made over 30 different models of irons from 1929 to 1948. They generally came in an enamel coloured finish. The best known and most commonly found today is the “Cool Blue” enamel Coleman’s 4A gasoline iron. The Coleman 4A gasoline iron was much lighter than the previous ‘sad irons’ and no longer required to be heated on the stove or by charcoal. Instead, the pump was used to build up pressure in the fuel tank and a match was lit underneath the iron, making a flame inside the iron that would distribute the heat on the surface. Despite these benefits, fuels irons made ironing a potentially dangerous job. They had a very real possibility of causing a fire or exploding. Gas-pressure irons, that had been manufactured as early as 1900, were eventually replaced by electric-powered steam irons, in the 1970s as an affordable and safer alternative.This item is significant because it is an example of domestic appliances used widely throughout the Wodonga District.A self-heating iron which made from metal and enamel plate which included a small tank for fuel which powered the unit. A small wooden pump was used to build up pressure in the iron’s fuel tank. It has a wooden handle.domestic appliances, coleman fuel irons

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

The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. This hand held self heating(kerosene) iron was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. It replaced irons needing a separate fire source to heat the ironing plate. These irons continued to be in service, even when electricity was available in cities and larger rural towns (domestic electric steam irons were invented in 1938). This item was used before and during the electricity supplies available from the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. These irons remained in use within regional rural areas that had limited or unreliable electrical reticulation.In the 1950s and later the Kiewa Valley was still a relatively isolated region which was home to rural properties and small settlements. The availability of electricity and or the financial means to afford new types of electric hand irons ensured that older and sometimes less efficient ironing remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as this kerosene iron was a cheaper method for farm based domestic and other rural activities requiring a heat source. The use of kerosene as a heat/light source was able to be supplied in bulk and able to be used when floods severed vital roads into this region. The supply of electricity was in summer time subject to interruption from bush fire damaged wooden poles carrying the electrical cables. Self sufficiency by rural populations was the backbone of survival and the ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This Coleman kerosene iron has a solid steel chrome plated(press) base with a painted (blue) wooden handle. The handle is stud fastened onto an oblong shaped rolled steel handle frame and screwed (two screws) onto the base plate. Both the heating plate and the top securing plate are shaped similar to a river boat. The main housing enclosing the heating element is enamel coated(blue in colour) steel and has a half hole for lighting the kerosene at the rear end. Behind the handle and protruding upwards is a stainless steel fully enclosed container (bowl shaped) for the main supply of kerosene to the burner or generator(enclosed within the main body of the iron. The bowl has an air valve and inlet for pressurised air intake (hand pump) On the bottom rear of the fuel bowl there is a screw regulated fuel pump. The fuel heated base plate provides the heat for this advertised "self heating iron(instant lighting). See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; KVHS 0347C- Wrench; and KVHS 0347D Fuel can.Stamped on the base plate of the handle, front region "COLEMAN LAMP & STOVE CO." below this "WICHITA KAN" below this"TORONTO CAN". In the middle of the handle base and in larger print "COLEMAN Instant-Lite" At the rear location in large print "MODEL 4" in smaller print below "MADE IN U.S.A." below this "PAT#1718473"household appliances, alternative non electrical ironing appliances, domestic appliances, kerosene appliances

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This is an example of an implement used locally in the livestock industry.A branding iron with letter R on circular end. Handle loop is oval shaped. It has been painted blue to half way.branding-iron rural-industry

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This item is an example of a common implement used in the livestock industry in Orbodt.A long-handled branding iron with an S or 2 on the end. There is a loop at the top for hanging.branding-iron rural livestock-industry

Reconstructed metal chimney as used in some types of charcoal or "box" irons.Reconstructed metal chimneymetal forms

Gem irons were heated before adding .The design was unchanged for many years.Cast iron gem scone iron, for 12 scones, painted blackgem irons

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. Thomas Fletcher (1840-1903). By 1880s he had a gas appliance manufactory in Thynne Street, Warrington. By 1895 the company had become Fletcher Russell and Co Gas Engineers, his firm having merged with Alexander and William Russell of Pendleton Iron Works. Circa 1950, the firm merged into Radiation Ltd which was later acquired by 'TI New World'; 1902: Fletcher, Russell & Co. Ltd., Palatine Works, Warrington In 1880 gas -fuelled irons were connected by rubber tubing to the gas light-fittings of the house or to gas canisters. However , not many houses had access to a gas supply until much later and this iron was popular in 1920’sThese 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 gas-fuelled flat iron, made in USA , It would have been attached to a gas hose fitting that was also used at night for light in the house. There is a small chimney to allow for air and to try to control the amount of heat in the iron. A 'shield' is under the leather covered handle to protect the user's hand from the heat, however it is made of copper metal - a heat conductor.FLETCHER RUSSELL CO. / LIM/ PATENT/ WARRINGTON on right side of handle 'Registered' on left side of handle ' Fletcher Russell Co L / Warrington, Manchester / & London.sad iron, kitchen equipment, fletcher russell co. ltd., england, warrington, manchester, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, sewing, craftwork, clothing, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, fireplaces, stoves, domestic gas supply, gas-light, gas cannisters

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This item was used in Orbost in the livestock industry.This item is an example of an implement once used in the livestock industry in Orbost.A branding iron with the letter W on the end. It has a long iron handle with a ring grip at the top.branding-iron rural-industry

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This item was used in Orbost in the livestock industry.This item is an example of a common implement used in rural industry in Orbost.A branding iron with the letter J on the end. It has a long handle with a ring grip at the top.branding-iron livestock-industry rural-industry

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This branding iron was used in Orbost. This item is an example of an implement commonly used in the livestock industry in Orbost.A long-handled branding iron with J H at the end. There is a hanging loop at the top.branding-iron rural livestock-industry

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

From the late 1920s several brands of irons, including Hotpoint and Light' N Easy were manufactured in Australia by the Australian General Electric Co. Ltd. Light' N Easy irons were marketed as a versatile iron, small and light enough to be taken with you if you needed to travel away from home.This iron is representative of electrical appliances developed under licence in Australia from the late 1920s onwards.Small yellow steam iron. There are controls and a water level indicator on the side of the iron. There are 25 steam vents in the base. Steam and dry iron with surge of steam. A 3 metre electrical cord is attached.Label: " General Electric Housewares Pty Ltd. Vic/ Nottinghill Melbourne 3166/ 700 Watts/ APP NO. V79008 Cat 04/06 240 Voltsdomestic appliances, light 'easy irons

Following the use of flat irons the base of the iron was made into a container to put glowing coals inside it and keep it hot a bit longer. This was called a charcoal iron. It had a hinged lid and air holes to allow the charcoal to keep smouldering. They are sometimes called ironing boxes, or charcoal box irons, and may come with their own stand.This item is an example of a domestic appliance in common usage before the advent of electricity.This is a charcoal iron which was heated by burning charcoal inside it. It is made of iron and has wooden handles, one on top for lifting it and one on the catch at the front that keeps the iron closed. Both of these handles were needed to load the iron with charcoal easily. As wood does not conduct heat well, these handles made the task of filling the iron much easier. The holes around the base of the iron are for letting the fumes out.Top- "M.G."iron-charcoal domestic

No known provenanceOmega spirit iron with cast base and semi-circular airholes at the edge. The metal bottom is polished. A hooked clip holds the top plate in place and the wooden handle is D-shaped. The silvered supply tank has a jet control.OMEGA Ω (Greek symbol on opposite side of top plate)allansford, irons, ironing, laundry equipment, spirit irons

The stand used when ironing was done on a bench which didn't have iron stands.A metal iron stand with the words 'Servex and 'S' embossed at the pointed end and etched into the straight end. A straight bar down the centre links the pointed tip with the straight back. The sides are raised to hold the iron in place.SERVEX / Sservex, irons, laundering, domestic items, george evans collection

Curling irons, also known as curling tongs, create waves or curls in the hair. Clipless wands have no clamp, and the user simply wraps hair around a rod and squeezes the two parts together. The metal curling irons were heated on the fire or the stove and then the hair could be clamped between these 2 rods to create a curl in the hair . A pair of steel, hair curling tongsEveready Englandtoiletries, hairdressing, curling tongs, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, marcel waves, market gardeners

Belonged to donor's father and used by him. Later used by donor until the advent of electric soldering irons.Long wooden handle with metal bar attached to shaped Copper piece.trades, plumbing, tinsmithing

Typical of the mass produced small items manufactured in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century for domestic use along with clothes irons, boot scrapers and griddle irons, these beetle-style boot jacks were usually located in the vestibule near the door to wedge the booted foot into and pull, removing the boot before stepping into the house with any detritus on the boot.

Fire irons like this one were an essential piece of domestic equipment as hey were used for the open fires.This iron poke is a piece of equipment essential for the open fireplaces used for 19th and early 20th century domestic heating.Fire poker, iron, painted black, shaped from a cylindrical rodflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, fire poker, fire iron, domestic heating

In their original form these smoothing irons were filled with hot coal or charcoal and used to remove creases from garments.Brass smoothing iron most likely produced for the souvenir industry. The original would have held coal or charcoal. The lid can be lifted and there are openings to allow smoke to escape. The lid can be fastened to the main body with a hook. .

Spectacle irons - three thimbles cast as single mould so that three ropes may be hooked into it to lead in different directions.Part of collection of various maritime artefacts by Wilfred (Bill) Libby Two large spectacle rings with links. spectacle rings, shackles

By the late 1800s increasing numbers of Australian working men had at least one good suit as a sign of respectability. Suits could be purchased ready-made, made to measure from a local tailor. The introduction of electric irons meant that the old flat irons and gas stove no longer had to be used. This electric iron would have been used to flatten seams during the tailoring process. This item is representative of a now rare craft that has diminished in the contemporary world.An electric tailor's iron. It has a green base and a black handle. The body of the iron has a flat back and curves to a point at its front. Its handle is metal and is attached with large screws at the top and back side of the base. The top of the handle is covered in black plastic that has finger grooves. there is a black iron resting stand.

Gem irons were heated before adding batter. The design was unchanged for many years. Also known as drop scone iron.Cast iron gem scone iron, for 12 sconesgem irons, baking utensils, cooking

Fire irons or pokers are essential equipment for people with open fireplaces such as those used for domestic heating in the 19th and early 20th century.This fire iron is significant for representing the type of equipment used in the 19th and early 20th century for used with open heating.Fire poker, iron, painted black, shaped from a steel barflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, fire iron, fire poker, domestic heating, open fireplace