Historical information

Sad irons, also known as flat irons or smoothing irons, were commonly used in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries before electric irons became widespread. They were heated on a stove or open fire, then used to press clothing and linens. Many households had multiple irons, allowing one to be heated while another was in use.
This particular iron features a fixed metal handle, which would have required the user to use a cloth or pad to hold it, unlike later models with detachable wooden handles for insulation.
These irons were essential household tools, particularly before the introduction of electric power in rural areas.

Physical description

The item is a cast iron sad iron (flat iron), a manually heated pressing tool used before the invention of electric irons. It consists of:
A solid, triangular cast-iron base, designed to retain heat for smoothing fabric. The base has a slightly curved front edge for maneuverability.
A metal handle, mounted on two brackets, which allowed users to grip the iron without directly touching the hot metal.
The surface shows signs of rust and wear, indicating long-term use and exposure to the elements.