Showing 90 items matching "heating iron"
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Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyDocument Instruction and Parts Sheet, Instructions for Operating the Coleman Self Heating Iron Model No. 4 Instant Lighting, circa 1950
... Instructions for Operating the Coleman Self Heating Iron Model No. 4 Instant Lighting....-4363 Instructions for Operating the Coleman Self Heating Iron Model No. 4 Instant Lighting Document Instruction and Parts Sheet The Coleman Lamp & Stove Co. ...This operating and parts information sheet was supplied to consumers to help users of this kerosene iron, not only understand the operation of this self lighting iron, but also to be able to order any replacement parts that may be required for this high level usage appliance. At this period in time(1950's), this item was at the leading edge of ironing technology. During the earlier 1900's and before "the throw away" culture evolved(circa 1950's), reliability and long term application of domestic appliances was a necessity above all costs, especially in isolated rural areas. The construction of these appliances was geared to a longer service life and not to a cheaper two to three year life warranty. With levels of world wide technology at an ever increasing pace, long term reliability of any appliance was no longer sought after. Appliance upgrades and new improved model accessibility especially in rural areas has changed rural consumer's buying patterns. Although the concept of instructional and parts/warranty information booklets has not become obsolete, the ability to access information via electronic means has vastly improved the ability to obtain qualified technical help through local avenues. This access was not available in the time period(circa 1950), when the appliance covered by this document was issued. The rate of development within the home appliance field has mushroomed during the time period post 1950. The costs and the increased levels of product choices and consumer awareness has provided rural areas (once isolated e.g. Kiewa Valley) with a greater ability to satisfy their needs because of a greater diverse range of domestic appliances offered.This discoloured, sepia paper has black print and is folded into three equal pages. The information contained covers operational and part numbers for the kerosene fired hand held iron. there are kerosene stains on the last page and these have soaked through onto the second page. The form no.-3-3C- McACO.-4363Printed in U.S.A.instructions, household appliances, ironing, domestic ironing -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageIron
... ...heating iron...This iron used its own fuel to heat up the iron rather than earlier flat irons that required heating on top of the stove...."Comfort Self Heating" clothes iron. Spirit iron with wooden handle and metal tank for spirit fuel (probably benzene.). ...Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village 89 Merri Street Warrnambool great-ocean-road This iron used its own fuel to heat up the iron rather than earlier flat irons that required heating on top of the stove. flagstaff hill warrnambool shipwrecked coast flagstaff hill maritime museum maritime museum shipwreck coast flagstaff hill maritime village great ocean road spirit iron self heating iron comfort iron comfort self heating iron "Comfort Self Heating" clothes iron. ...This iron used its own fuel to heat up the iron rather than earlier flat irons that required heating on top of the stove."Comfort Self Heating" clothes iron. Spirit iron with wooden handle and metal tank for spirit fuel (probably benzene.). Different fuels were used, some with dire resultsflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, spirit iron, self, heating iron, comfort iron, comfort self heating iron -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageDomestic object - Iron
... ...self heating iron...Self Heating Family Charcoal Iron. Box iron with wooden handle and brass finger guard. ...Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village 89 Merri Street Warrnambool great-ocean-road Flagstaff Hill Warrnambool Shipwrecked-coast Flagstaff-Hill Flagstaff-Hill-Maritime-Museum Maritime-Museum Shipwreck-coast Flagstaff-Hill-Maritime-Village iron self heating iron coal iron laundry Family charcoal iron T & G Clair & Co Two emblems within circles plus the inscription "Awarded To / T & G Clark & Co. on the finger guard Self Heating Family Charcoal Iron. ...Self Heating Family Charcoal Iron. Box iron with wooden handle and brass finger guard. The finger guard has two round emblems and the inscription "Awarded To T & G Clark & Co" on it.Two emblems within circles plus the inscription "Awarded To / T & G Clark & Co. on the finger guardflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, iron, self heating iron, coal iron, laundry, family charcoal iron, t & g clair & co -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyIron - Kerosene
... This is a self-heating iron....Comfort iron / Self Heating Comfort Iron MFD by / National Stamping and Electric Works / made in U.S.A. ...This is a self-heating iron. Iron - Kerosene National Stamping and Electric Works ...Kerosene irons were used c1930 - 1950 especially where electricity wasn't available. Shelite was another fuel that could be used instead of kerosene. The advantage of the kerosene iron was that it didn't require a stove to be lit (especially in summer) to heat the iron and it didn't require electricity.Residents in the Kiewa Valley used kerosene irons.This black iron is made of cast iron with a steel base and a black wooden handle. This Comfort iron has a ball shaped container with a screw-on lid to hold the fuel (kerosene or Shelite). At the bottom of this ball is a pipe going down then meeting another pipe at right angles to it leading into the iron. At the pipe junction there is a handle on a screw to limit the amount of fuel. The Kerosene would flow through this pipe. There is a filler plug air stem on top. This is a self-heating iron.Comfort iron / Self Heating Comfort Iron MFD by / National Stamping and Electric Works / made in U.S.A. Chicago iron, domestic, laundry, pressing clothes, household, kerosene, shelite -
Wodonga & District Historical Society IncDomestic object - COLEMAN Fuel Iron
... A self-heating iron which made from metal and enamel plate which included a small tank for fuel which powered the unit. ...Domestic appliances Coleman Fuel Irons A self-heating iron which made from metal and enamel plate which included a small tank for fuel which powered the unit. ...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 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageDomestic object - Fire poker
... iron...heating...heating, firing a boiler and similar domestic activities. This object is significant as an example of an item in common use in the 19th and early 20th centuries and is still in use today. Flagstaff Hill Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village Warrnambool Maritime Museum Maritime Village Great Ocean Road Shipwreck Coast poker fire poker fire iron heating cooking laundry tending a fire Fire poker; a flat metal bar shaped with ring at one end and a right angle bend at the base. ...This fire poker is a basic design that has been used throughout the centuries to attend to a fire for cooking, heating, firing a boiler and similar domestic activities.This object is significant as an example of an item in common use in the 19th and early 20th centuries and is still in use today.Fire poker; a flat metal bar shaped with ring at one end and a right angle bend at the base. It is painted black.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, poker, fire poker, fire iron, heating, cooking, laundry, tending a fire -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.Domestic object - Petrol Iron
... On box: Handi British Self Heating Pumpless Iron.|On instruction sheet: Directions for operating the improved Handi pumpless iron, 3 pages of detailed instructions...Whitehorse Historical Society Inc. 2-10 Deep Creek Road Mitcham melbourne domestic items irons On box: Handi British Self Heating Pumpless Iron.|On instruction sheet: Directions for operating the improved Handi pumpless iron, 3 pages of detailed instructions Silver iron on stand with black handle and knobs. ...Silver iron on stand with black handle and knobs. Cylindrical tank at back. Original cardboard box contains: instruction sheet, small carton containing spare part, spanner and spare knob.On box: Handi British Self Heating Pumpless Iron.|On instruction sheet: Directions for operating the improved Handi pumpless iron, 3 pages of detailed instructionsdomestic items, irons -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyCan Fuel Measuring, circa 1950
... The hand held self heating(kerosene) iron for which this filling can was provided ,was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. ...This specially spout fitted can was provided with the Coleman self heating kerosene iron (see KVHS 0347A). On one side of the half enclosed top of the can there is a small spout(for poring the appropriate liquid into the egg shaped fount container) at the rear end of the hand iron. ...The hand held self heating(kerosene) iron for which this filling can was provided ,was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. ...The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. The hand held self heating(kerosene) iron for which this filling can was provided ,was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. It replaced irons needing an external 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. 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 and the ability to service them from this filling can was an essential part.n 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 appliances remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as the kerosene self heating (KVHS 0347A) iron and this kerosene filling item, 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 specially spout fitted can was provided with the Coleman self heating kerosene iron (see KVHS 0347A). On one side of the half enclosed top of the can there is a small spout(for poring the appropriate liquid into the egg shaped fount container) at the rear end of the hand iron. The can is made from tin. See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; KVHS 0347C- Wrench.On one side of the can in black print on yellow background is "FUEL MEASURING CAN" underneath is "For Coleman Instant-Lite Iron" underneath are four numbered paragraphs detailing the use of this can. Below this is the name and places of manufacture. On the other side of the can is printed "BE SURE" with filling and maintenance instructionskerosene can, ironing, domestic appliances, household appliances -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyIron Hand Kerosene, mid to late 1900s
... This hand held self heating(kerosene) iron was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. ...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....This hand held self heating(kerosene) iron was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. ...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 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageIron
... Charcoal Box iron, self heating family charcoal iron. Hinged top with wooden handle and grate inside. ...Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village 89 Merri Street Warrnambool great-ocean-road Flagstaff Hill Warrnambool Shipwrecked-coast Flagstaff-Hill Flagstaff-Hill-Maritime-Museum Maritime-Museum Shipwreck-coast Flagstaff-Hill-Maritime-Village Charcoal Box iron, self heating family charcoal iron. Hinged top with wooden handle and grate inside. ...Charcoal Box iron, self heating family charcoal iron. Hinged top with wooden handle and grate inside. Has hand heat shield Also metal protecting plate for hand. Manufactured by C. H. Crane, Wolverhampton, England H22.5 x W 12 x L 24 flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Stawell Historical Society IncMemorabilia - Realia, Spirit operated Iron, 1826-1900
... A pumpless iron is a vintage, self-heating laundry iron primarily manufactured in Australia (notably by Handi Works in Brisbane) between the 1920s and 1950s. ...Stawell Historical Society Inc 46 Longfield St Stawell grampians A pumpless iron is a vintage, self-heating laundry iron primarily manufactured in Australia (notably by Handi Works in Brisbane) between the 1920s and 1950s. ...A pumpless iron is a vintage, self-heating laundry iron primarily manufactured in Australia (notably by Handi Works in Brisbane) between the 1920s and 1950s. Designed for use in rural areas without electricity, these petrol-fueled irons used Shellite, requiring no hand pumping to maintain pressure, and were often called spirit irons. Pumpless IronPumpless iron Handi Works Pty Lidstawell -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyIron - Electric
... A small electric iron, for heating only. "Hot Point" brand with a steel body and a black plastic (or could be Bakelite) upper body that is chromed. ...Ps 7 Made in Australia A small electric iron, for heating only. "Hot Point" brand with a steel body and a black plastic (or could be Bakelite) upper body that is chromed. ...This iron was used when electricity became available. It was possibly used for smaller items that didn't require a lot of time. Residents of the Kiewa Valley used irons for pressing the family's clothes and linen - usually by the women as it was considered to be part of their domestic duties.A small electric iron, for heating only. "Hot Point" brand with a steel body and a black plastic (or could be Bakelite) upper body that is chromed. The electric cord is detachable and not with the iron.Hotpoint Cat No. 6266 G7 Watts 575 - Volts 240. Ps 7 Made in Australiairon, laundry, domestic, pressing clothes, household, electric -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyWrench Coleman, circa 1950
... This hand held wrench was provided exclusively for the Coleman self heating kerosene (KVHS 0347A) iron and used for the regular changing the kerosene used in it. ...This hand held wrench was provided exclusively for the Coleman self heating kerosene (KVHS 0347A) iron and used for the regular changing the kerosene used in it. ...The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. This hand held wrench was provided exclusively for the Coleman self heating kerosene (KVHS 0347A) iron and used for the regular changing the kerosene used in it. The iron 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. Kerosene supplies were cheaper than electricity but also more inconvenient than electric. Electrical appliances become cheaper to buy and maintain in the later part of the 1900's and the now older kerosene iron was faded out.This wrench was required to open the fuel container which stored kerosene in the Coleman hand iron(see KVHS 0347A). This item was part of the maintenance requirement of this particular hand iron. 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(use of this wrench was a part of rural life). The ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This item is a flat cast iron wrench, which has been specifically made for KVHS 0347A (kerosene iron). The wrench has four specific forms cut into the steel which fit firmly around their targeted nut and other fixtures. Also see See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; and KVHS 0347D Fuel can.ironing, iron maintenance tool, domestic appliances, household -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageFunctional object - Platform Scales, Thaddeus Fairbanks, 1880-1910
... In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. ...In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. ...Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796 –1886) was an American inventor. of heating and cook stoves, cast iron ploughs, and other items. His greatest success was the invention and manufacture of the platform scale, which allowed the weighing of large objects accurately. Fairbanks was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1796, the son of Joseph Fairbanks (1763–1846) and Phebe (Paddock) Fairbanks (1760–1853). His uncle was Ephraim Paddock, the brother of Phebe Paddock. In 1815 he moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and set up a wheelwright's shop above his father's gristmill. In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. In 1830 Fairbanks and Erastus became interested in the raising and processing of hemp. Fairbanks went on to patent a hemp and flax dressing machine and became the manager of the St. Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp accurately, as there were no reliable scales at the time. Upon the success of building these scales, his brothers recommended that he make and sell these for general use. Fairbanks' most famous invention then became the platform scale for weighing heavy objects. These are commonly known as the Fairbanks Scales, for which he patented his original design in 1830. Before this time, accurate weighing of objects required hanging them from a balancing beam as a result, particularly heavy or ungainly objects could not be weighed accurately. A platform scale, if large enough, could weigh an entire wagon. By placing a full wagon on the scale, unloading it, and then placing it on the scale when empty, it became possible to easily and accurately calculate the weight and value of farm produce and other loads. In 1834 Fairbanks and his brother formed "E. and T. Fairbanks and Company" to manufacture and sell these platform scales. These scales were well known in the United States and around the world resulting in the company doubling in volume every three years from 1842 to 1857. There was a temporary slow down during the American Civil War, however, the business took off again after the war. Their partnership was incorporated in 1874 into a firm known as "Fairbanks Scale Company". These platform scales revolutionized weighing methods of large loads and have been in use ever since. Portable platform scales are found in almost every hardware store, physician's office, and manufacturing factory throughout the United States and the world. The first railway track platform scale patent was granted to Fairbanks on January 13, 1857, as Patent No. 16,381. In 1916 the company was purchased by ”Fairbanks, Morse and Company”. Ownership of the company has since changed several times, but Fairbanks Scales continue to be made in St. Johnsbury Vermont to this day. Fairbanks had received 43 patents in his lifetime with the last one at the age of 91. He died on April 12, 1886, and is buried at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. An early example circa 1900 of the first type of platform scales used in a grocery store. This design for accurately measuring goods that were sold over the counter revolutionised the weighing of goods throughout the world. Platform scale metal black with removable tray & pan. Has horizontal brass arm with a brass slide weight black removable weight hook and 2 x 2 lb. weights. Fairbanksflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageFunctional object - Platform Scales
... In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. ...In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. ...Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796 –1886) was an American inventor. of heating and cook stoves, cast iron ploughs, and other items. His greatest success was the invention and manufacture of the platform scale, which allowed the weighing of large objects accurately. Fairbanks was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1796, the son of Joseph Fairbanks (1763–1846) and Phebe (Paddock) Fairbanks (1760–1853). His uncle was Ephraim Paddock, the brother of Phebe Paddock. In 1815 he moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and set up a wheelwright's shop above his father's gristmill. In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. In 1830 Fairbanks and Erastus became interested in the raising and processing of hemp. Fairbanks went on to patent a hemp and flax dressing machine and became the manager of the St. Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp accurately, as there were no reliable scales at the time. Upon the success of building these scales, his brothers recommended that he make and sell these for general use. Fairbanks' most famous invention then became the platform scale for weighing heavy objects. These are commonly known as the Fairbanks Scales, for which he patented his original design in 1830. Before this time, accurate weighing of objects required hanging them from a balancing beam as a result, particularly heavy or ungainly objects could not be weighed accurately. A platform scale, if large enough, could weigh an entire wagon. By placing a full wagon on the scale, unloading it, and then placing it on the scale when empty, it became possible to easily and accurately calculate the weight and value of farm produce and other loads. In 1834 Fairbanks and his brother formed "E. and T. Fairbanks and Company" to manufacture and sell these platform scales. These scales were well known in the United States and around the world resulting in the company doubling in volume every three years from 1842 to 1857. There was a temporary slow down during the American Civil War, however, the business took off again after the war. Their partnership was incorporated in 1874 into a firm known as "Fairbanks Scale Company". These platform scales revolutionized weighing methods of large loads and have been in use ever since. Portable platform scales are found in almost every hardware store, physician's office, and manufacturing factory throughout the United States and the world. The first railway track platform scale patent was granted to Fairbanks on January 13, 1857, as Patent No. 16,381. In 1916 the company was purchased by ”Fairbanks, Morse and Company”. Ownership of the company has since changed several times, but Fairbanks Scales continue to be made in St. Johnsbury Vermont to this day. Fairbanks had received 43 patents in his lifetime with the last one at the age of 91. He died on April 12, 1886, and is buried at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. An early example of the first type of platform scale that revolutionised the weighing of goods throughout the world made in the USA around the turn of the 19th century. Commercially built platform scale on wheels. Cast iron base supports iron weighing platform with wooden floor. At back, square hollow wooden post supports a hooded rod which bears the weight of the platform and which hooks onto a brass balancing arm, marked in pounds up to 50. There is a cylindrical sliding weight and on the end a loop for a metal weight holder. The holder is designed for three circular pieces of metal with a slit to the centre. The weights used are 50, 100 and 200 lbs.Embossed to base Fairbanks Patent No 11 1/2, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, platform scales -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyIron - Charcoal, c1850 - 1920
... This iron was used by women, in their domestic role, to press the clothes from the mid 19th century. Coal embers were put inside, heating the base of the iron, to press the family's clothes and linen. ...Kiewa Valley Historical Society Mount Beauty Information Centre 31 Bogong High Plains Rd Mt Beauty high-country This iron was used by women, in their domestic role, to press the clothes from the mid 19th century. Coal embers were put inside, heating the base of the iron, to press the family's clothes and linen. ...This iron was used by women, in their domestic role, to press the clothes from the mid 19th century. Coal embers were put inside, heating the base of the iron, to press the family's clothes and linen. Small bellows were used to fire up the embers to keep the iron hot. In the Kiewa Valley the embers would have been from the local hard wood growing on the farms.Ron White worked for the SEC on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The iron belonged to his mother. Ron remembers being a boy of approximately 8 years of age, watching his mother do her ironing with this charcoal iron in the c1920s.This iron is made of cast iron. It has a hinged lid so that coal embers can be put inside for heat. The lid has a curved funnel. Bellows are used to blow air into the iron and keep the coals burning. It has a wooden handle and a lever (also with a wooden handle) to open the lid. There is a 2 and a half centimetre hole at the back of the iron to check the coals. The hole has a swivel cover.There is an embossed "S" on the swivel cover.iron, laudry, household, charcoal, antique, domestic, pressing clothes -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyPump - Small Brass - for Coleman Iron, 1920s - 1930s
... This kerosene iron was used before electricity was available. The iron was self heating and required a pump to pressurise it. ...Kiewa Valley Historical Society Mount Beauty Information Centre 31 Bogong High Plains Rd Mt Beauty high-country This kerosene iron was used before electricity was available. The iron was self heating and required a pump to pressurise it. ...This kerosene iron was used before electricity was available. The iron was self heating and required a pump to pressurise it. It came with instructions, full measuring can and a wrench / key. Used by a resident in the Kiewa Valley.Small brass pump for pressurising cylinder on Coleman Iron. Brass with a wooden handle knob. Used with a bike pump action.iron, laundry, household, domestic, kerosene, pump for iron -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyIron Hand Kerosene, circa 1948
... ironed. This item permitted ironing of clothes to be separate and away from heating stoves. ...ironed. This item permitted ironing of clothes to be separate and away from heating stoves. ...This item was in use before electricity and was manufactured after the flat stove irons.The weight of the iron base, is heavy, helping in smoothing out crinkly material being ironed. This item permitted ironing of clothes to be separate and away from heating stoves. It permitted greater flexibility for ironing clothes and permitted more control (consistency) of the temperature of the iron.Historically and significantly this item enforces the relative isolation of the Kiewa Valley and period when and where this domestic item was in use(manufactured circa 1950). A rural setting with mining, beef , milk and tobacco production in the early 1900s. Even though the community was in a rural setting, the standards of dress was the same as in the bigger towns and cities. Social and religious mores and values demanded that the personal appearance be clean and crisp no matter where a person was living or working. Heavy laborious work was considered by some religions as virtuous, therefore the heavy and tiring work of ironing during this period had its rewards. Rural areas where the last to be connected to electricity and therefore this item was a domestic necessity far into the 1950's.This iron has a steel base and a metal body coated with green coloured enamel. The wooden hand grip is painted dark green. The kerosene (spirit) container is a chrome metal cylinder with a flat bottom and top. The top has a small filler/air plug is located on the top side. There are two control knobs located next to and under the metal cylinder. The close to the cylinder is a lock which locks the top lid of the iron and the other knob controls the airflow to the heater rodOn the base of the handle "PEERMAN" and below this P/46, C.I. Thomas & Son Pty Ltd household, ironing, domestic kerosene, dry cleaning -
Orbost & District Historical Societybranding iron, late 19th -mid 20th century
... 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. branding-iron ...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 -
Orbost & District Historical Societybranding iron, Late 19th -mid 20th century
... 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. branding-iron ...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 -
Orbost & District Historical Societybranding iron, late 19th -mid 20th century
... 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. branding-iron ...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 -
Orbost & District Historical Societybranding iron
... 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. branding-iron ...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 -
Orbost & District Historical Societybranding iron, Late 19th century - mid 20th century
... 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...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 ...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 -
Orbost & District Historical Societyiron
... Often the person ironing had two irons - one to iron with and the other heating on stove ready to use when the other cooled down. ...Often the person ironing had two irons - one to iron with and the other heating on stove ready to use when the other cooled down. ...Iron was heated on top of stove. Often the person ironing had two irons - one to iron with and the other heating on stove ready to use when the other cooled down. They were heavy to use and were generally cleaned with bees' wax and a cloth before use. Wooden handles were patented in 1865.This item is an example of a domestic appliance in common usage before the advent of electricity.Small rusty flat iron.domestic iron flat-iron -
Glen Eira Historical SocietyAlbum - Album page, Labassa Conservatory, 21 Manor Grove, Circa 1972
... The nineteenth century was the great age of conservatory designs, enabled by technological developments in heating, glazing and iron. Whilst conservatories were common in botanical gardens and universities, where they were primarily used for cultivating, studying, and experimenting with plants, they had also become an accessory of the wealthy on private estates. ...This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT? [From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Former Labassa Conservatory - H2005 Victorian Heritage Register http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/places/result_detail/12504 (25/01/2021)] The former Labassa Conservatory is believed to have been built as part of the extensive reworking of the Labassa estate in c1890 for the new owner Alexander Robertson, proprietor of the Cobb and Co line. Robertson commissioned the architect JAB Koch to remodel the house, and Koch may have been responsible for the conservatory as well. Alternatively, the conservatory may have been imported. The gates installed at Labassa in 1890 were manufactured by the MacFarlane foundry of Glasgow, Scotland, a firm known to have manufactured conservatories. Around 1917 the glass house from 'Labassa', Caulfield was offered for sale to Malvern Council for its own gardens but the offer was declined. Following subdivision of the Labassa estate in the 1920s the conservatory was converted into a residence. The structure has a simple rectangular plan, with a brick base and superstructure of cast iron columns and roof trusses. The hipped roof is surmounted by an elaborately decorated gable structure. Most of the original glass has been replaced by metal sheeting. The decoration comprises pressed metal fascias including an egg and dart style cornice moulding, mullion mouldings and gable end panels with a rising sun motif. Cast iron ridgework and finials add to the lively roof form. Internally the floor appears to have been raised as part of the conversion work to a residence, and stained timber panelling introduced to provide room spaces. Boilers probably heated the conservatory in the colder months, but these do not survive.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Former Labassa Conservatory - H2005 http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/places/result_detail/12504 (25/01/2021) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The former Labassa Conservatory is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The former Labassa Conservatory is historically significant for its associations with the Labassa estate. Subdivision of the estate separated a number of outbuildings from the mansion. The former conservatory is significant as part of the large scale improvements carried out to the estate in the 1890s. The nineteenth century was the great age of conservatory designs, enabled by technological developments in heating, glazing and iron. Whilst conservatories were common in botanical gardens and universities, where they were primarily used for cultivating, studying, and experimenting with plants, they had also become an accessory of the wealthy on private estates. The former Labassa conservatory is architecturally significant as a rare example of a building type. Many Victorian mansion houses had attached conservatories, but detached conservatories were much less common. The only other detached example associated with a residence known to survive on its original site in Victoria is an earlier example at Warrock homestead, near Casterton. Conservatories attached to nineteenth century mansions are far more numerous. The Labassa example is very ornate, and its decoration draws on the versatility of pressed metal and cast iron. This highlights the dual purpose of the conservatory, as both a functional structure and a picturesque building on the Labassa estate. This building is unusual as an example converted to residential use. Page 130 of Photograph Album with one portrait photograph of Labassa's conservatory.Handwritten: "Labassa" conservatory 21 Manor Grove [top right] /130 [bottom right]bracketed eaves, caulfield north, labassa, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, alexander william robertson, ontario, john a. b. koch, john boyd watson, mouldings, 1920's, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, architects, john koch, greenhouses, gardens, plants, land subdivisions, gates, macfarlane foundry, brick, cast iron work, hipped roofs, gables, 1890's -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumGeological specimen - Copper Ore
... iron and zinc. Copper is considered to be a rare ore in that finding it in its pure form is rare. Nowadays when mining for Copper it is often found in mixed in with other minerals or it is recycled from use. Moreover, Copper is found in a range of everyday uses such as coins, cookware, pipes, heating ...This specimen was recovered from Silverton Mine in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Otherwise known as the 'Day Dream Mine', the Silverton Mine was first established in 1883, when silver and lead deposits where discovered. Within a few short years, the population of Broken Hill reached 3000 people. As of today the Silverton Mine is still open, and has produced over 200 million tonnes of ore, which has generated over $100 billion. The Silverton Mine was also famous for a number of specimens such as silver, iron and zinc.Copper is considered to be a rare ore in that finding it in its pure form is rare. Nowadays when mining for Copper it is often found in mixed in with other minerals or it is recycled from use. Moreover, Copper is found in a range of everyday uses such as coins, cookware, pipes, heating conductors and anything that generate electricity. The fact that Copper is heat a heat conductor, electricity conductor and it does not corrode easily, makes this ore a versatile and useful. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid hand-sized cube-shaped sulfide and oxide with shades of green, grey and brown throughout. Copper is typically found as nuggets in the ground. It can be found in a range of forms such as its native state; mixed with other ores, such as zinc and iron; as porphyry copper deposits; and as major deposits. Porphyry deposits are when the mineral is scattered evenly throughout the rock. Major deposits are when the mineral is scattered amongst other minerals.burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth musum, geological, geological specimen, mineraology, copper, copper ore, copper ore speciment, broken hill, new south wales -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumGeological specimen - Brown coal
... iron mine ballarat blast furnace A hand-sized light-weight, soft and combustable sedimentary rock specimen, that is dark brown in colour. The specimen has jagged edges, as though parts of the rock have crumbled away. Brown coal, or Lignite, is formed naturally from compressed peat, and is typically found in natural basins. The stages to the formation of coal ('coalification') begin with plant material and wood, which will decay if it is not subjected to deep burial or heating ...This particular specimen was recovered from the Lal Lal Coal and Iron Mine in Victoria, 19km from Ballarat. Brown Coal was discovered here in 1857, just alongside the Geelong to Ballarat Railway line. This discovery of lignite (brown coal) was the first in Victoria, which would bring important benefits to the region and state, both of which had previously been reliant on coal imports. In the 1860s, iron ore was found just 5km from Lal Lal, and the area was converted into an Iron Ore Mine. The Lal Lal Iron Mining Company took over operations in 1874, who then peaked iron production in 1884. This mine continued operations until June 1884, when the blast furnace was extinguished and never recommenced. The blast furnace at Lal Lal is considered one of the most important and highly significant sites ion early industrial history in Australia, as it is the only remaining best furnace from the nineteenth century in the Southern Hemisphere. The furnace ruins are 17 metres high, and are clearly visible today on Iron Mine Road, Lal Lal, near the Bungal Dam. This specimen of Lignite (brown coal) is significant, as it was mined from the area where brown coal was first discovered in Victoria, leading to an important and controversial future of the mining and use of brown coal in this State. The Victorian Heritage Database has listed the Lal Lal Coal Mine with local significance, with their Statement of Significance stating: "The Lal Lal coal mine is historically significant as the site of the first discovery of lignite (brown coal) in Victoria, and one that promised important benefits to regional and state industries that were reliant on coal imports at the time. The significance of the stie is reduced by the poor state of preservation of the coal mining and processing fabric". This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A hand-sized light-weight, soft and combustable sedimentary rock specimen, that is dark brown in colour. The specimen has jagged edges, as though parts of the rock have crumbled away. Brown coal, or Lignite, is formed naturally from compressed peat, and is typically found in natural basins. The stages to the formation of coal ('coalification') begin with plant material and wood, which will decay if it is not subjected to deep burial or heating, and turn into Peat. Peat, when sufficiently compressed naturally, will turn into Brown Coal (Lignite), and finally into Black Coal (sub-bituminous, bituminous and anthracite). Each successive stage has a higher energy content and lower water content. It is brownish-black in colour. Brown Coal has a high moisture content, between 50 and 75 percent, and a low carbon content. Some Brown Coals may be stratified, with layers of plant matter, which means little coalification has occurred beyond the peat natural processing stage. When Brown Coal is submerged in dilute nitric acid or boiling potassium hydroxide solution, it reacts to produce a reddish solution, of which higher-ranked coals do not. When brown coal is pulverised and burned in boilers, the steam is used to drive turbines, which generates electricity. It is the lowest rank of coal, as when burned, it creates a relatively low heat content, which in turn does not create a great output of steam. burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, brown coal, brown coal specimen, lignite, lal lal, lal lal coal mine, lal lal iron mine, ballarat, blast furnace -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.Functional object - Polishing Iron
... 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. ...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. ...Polishing irons were used for ironing collars and frills. Historical information Sad-irons (the term comes from an old word sald for solid) 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 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. A solid piece of cast iron, the base is triangular a shape with an eight centimetre base with curved sides coming to a point 13 centimetres from the base and is three and a half centimetres Thick. The bottom of the iron is curved. Two curved pieces two and a half centimetres wide, half a centimetre thick and six centimetres apart rise from rise up seven centimetres, between them is a two centimetre diameter and nine centimetre long hollow handle. Embossed on the iron is - 4 SILVESTERS PATENT SALTER and an arrow with a knotted rope around it. K13polishing iron, silvesters patent, sad iron -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.Functional object - FLAT IRON
... 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. ...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. ...Flat irons were used for general ironing. Historical information Sad Irons (the term comes from an old word sald for solid) 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 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. A solid piece of cast iron, the base is triangular a shape with a ten centimetre base with curved sides coming to a point 15.5 centimetres from the base and is three centimteres thick. The bottom of the iron is flat. Two curved pieces three centimetres wide, half a centimetre thick and seven centimetres apart rise from rise up eight centimetres, between them is a two centimetre diameter and ten centimetre long hollow handle. Embossed on the iron is - 4 SILVESTERS PATENT SALTER and an arrow with a knotted rope around it. K5polishing iron, silvesters patent, sad iron -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageDomestic object - Flat Iron, 1890-1935
... iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) irons. At least two irons were needed on the go together for an effective system, one would be in use, and the other re-heating. ...iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) irons. At least two irons were needed on the go together for an effective system, one would be in use, and the other re-heating. ...Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) irons. At least two irons were needed on the go together for an effective system, one would be in use, and the other re-heating. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today. Flat iron cast iron with stand None item too badly corrodedflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry, clothes ironing, sad iron, tailors goose
