Historical information

Irons such as this were very popular prior to the widespread introduction of electricity in Australia. It was manufactured by the Tilley Lamp Company Ltd.

In 1818 John and William Henry Tilley established W. H. Tilley, in Stoke Newington, London, England. During WW1 they started to use paraffin as a lamp fuel in pressurised containers. A production plant was established at Hendon, just north of London, and the first commercial lamps were produced after World War 1. During the 1920s the company diversified into domestic lamps. This expanded to other appliances such as heaters and eventually to irons.
The use of paraffin or kerosene as a fuel was a much cleaner form of heat, especially when compared to older flat irons which used coal.

Significance

This item is significant because it is representative of domestic appliances used in the Wodonga District prior to the introduction of electricity throughout the area.

Physical description

Cream coloured iron with a black Bakelite handle which attaches to the fuel tank. It has a steel sole plate. The heat of the iron is provided by a paraffin burner.

Inscriptions & markings

On Metal plate:
Model D.N. 250
Made in England
British Pat. 524719
Australian Pat. 114305

On Knob at rear: ON/OFF TILLEY