Historical information

By the late 1800s increasing numbers of Australian working men had at least one good suit as a sign of respectability. Suits could be purchased ready-made, made to measure from a local tailor. The introduction of electric irons meant that the old flat irons and gas stove no longer had to be used. This electric iron would have been used to flatten seams during the tailoring process.

Significance

This item is representative of a now rare craft that has diminished in the contemporary world.

Physical description

An electric tailor's iron. It has a green base and a black handle. The body of the iron has a flat back and curves to a point at its front. Its handle is metal and is attached with large screws at the top and back side of the base. The top of the handle is covered in black plastic that has finger grooves. there is a black iron resting stand.