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

A World War 2 issue anti gas mask complete with respirator contained in a canvas bag, also includes anti-dimming cannister The base of the mask is stamped 1942, the mask itself is dated 2-4-42gas, mask, holding, bag

This item and it’s associated gas mask (Cat.No. 0096.1) are of a style typical of German WW2 gas mask and connister, but the use of vinyl instead of rubber and the Spanish manufacture of the gas mask suggests post WW2 manufacture. German WW2-style tin gas mask container, with hinged lid with clip. Lid incorporate stowages for anti-fog lenses (2 in grease-proof envelope). Three loops for attaching webbing. Webbing carry straps missing. Olive green paint. Removeable cover from gas mask filter (ref: Cat.No. 0096.1) stowed loose in cannister.

Appears to be a gas mask made in 1939 for protection against possible gas attack in World War II. Unknown provenance. Willow, the manufacturer of the metal canister, is an Australian family owned and run business, since 1887 and based in Melbourne. From their website: "During the second World War the factories almost exclusively produced munitions, working two shifts. They mainly made mess tins, rocket cylinder covers, small arms ammunition boxes, gas mask respirator cylinders and soldier’s cake tins."An example of war time equipment for personal protection.Rubber face mask with hose to a metal cannister.On the base of the metal cannister: "No. 4A / Willow / 1939 / WAD 8". equipment, world war two, mask

Historic item used in WW2Instructions for use printed on cannister. Mask inscribed with lot no.21-3-SC.