Historical information

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.

Physical description

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.

Inscriptions & markings

K5