Historical information

Trouser presses like this were commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among wealthier households, military officers, and professionals who needed neatly pressed clothing.
These presses worked by clamping trousers between two wooden panels and tightening them with screw clamps.
The pressure and sometimes residual heat from ironing helped maintain a sharp crease in trousers overnight.
Such presses were a cheaper and more accessible alternative to regular ironing, often used in hotels, gentlemen’s clubs, and military settings.

Physical description

The item is an antique wooden and metal trouser press, used to maintain the creases in trousers and keep them wrinkle-free. It consists of:
A rectangular wooden frame, likely made of polished hardwood, featuring two flat wooden panels that sandwich the fabric.
Two vertical metal bars with screw clamps, which allow the user to tighten the press and hold the trousers firmly in place.
The screws at the top and bottom are manually adjusted, ensuring even pressure across the fabric.
The surface shows signs of wear, with visible scratches, chipped varnish, and peeling fabric or padding underneath.