Historical information
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.
Significance
This item is an example of a domestic appliance in common usage before the advent of electricity.
Physical description
Small rusty flat iron.