This cast iron "boiler" was produced by one of the largest foundries in England during the late 1700's and onwards. These products were "shipped to the far realms of the "British Empire". This source was one of the only ones available to the early settlers in Australia until the mid 1900's. The catch cry of those "early " times was "the best of British" which was ingrained into the early (Australian) settler's iron and cast iron purchasing mind set. It was not until after World War II did that mindset change, when both American and Asian based manufacturers' products were accepted by the Australian consumer. The city based consumer embraced the swing a lot earlier than the more "traditional" rural consumer. This cast iron 8 gallon "boiler" is very significant to the Kiewa Valley not only that large "boilers" were used to "boil" clothes clean, over an open flame source, but also because it demonstrates one of the most important "rural" mores founded by the "early" settlers in this region. That more was the very "close" tie to "Mother England" and the "establishment". The social and "family" values from the "English" way of life was ingrained until well past the day of the "Australian Federation". It was not until the friendly "American soldier" invasion during World War II that the "Empire" bondage was being eroded away. The transition from the good "rural war cry" of "Australia prospers off the sheep's back" was slipping away and the industrial monolith started its challenge. This change was the slowest in semi remote rural centres such as the Kiewa Valley. The "old English" values lingered on until the mid 1900's.This large (8 gallons) cast iron boiler is oval in shape and has a cast iron (swivel) carrying handle. The handle has a "bend" in the centre position to allow hook and straight type rods to facilitate the positioning of a "hot" boiler. This boiler would have been used over an open fire or placed on top of "coals". On the top rim and evenly spaced between the fixed handle joins is a slightly semi curved balancing/control lip.At the bottom (underneath) "CLARK & Co. PATENT", Below this a six star triangle with the letter "C" in the middle.. On the opposite end "BEST QUALITY" and underneath "8 Gall s"camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking and boiling appliance, drovers kitchen

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

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.This charcoal iron is made of cast iron. It has a hinged lid so that embers can be put inside as the source of heat. The lid has a curved funnel and a wooden handle. The funnel kept the smoke away from the clothing. Bellows would be used to blow air into the iron and keep the coals burning. It has a wooden handle and the lever used to open the lid is also made from wood. There is a hole with a swivel cover at the back of the iron to check the coals. "S" on the swivel cover.domestic appliances, household items, women's work

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