Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1957.13.01 |
Object Name |
Iron |
Year Range to |
1911 |
Features |
Flat iron. Thick metal triangular shape with curved rods emerging from top of iron, forming a handle. Handle has scale-like pattern and text: "Ives & Allen." Right side of handle has manufacturing imperfection. Top of iron has very faded text: "Ives & Allen Montreal." |
Object Story |
Before modern electric irons, there were two prominent designs for irons: the sadiron and the charcoal iron. Each one had advantages and disadvantages which would eventually be resolved with modern-day steam irons. Charcoal irons and box irons had holes at the bottom to allow airflow, and were hollow with a lid at the top, in which burning charcoals would be inserted. The iron would then be used as normal, pressing clothes to remove seams. The charcoal iron produced a lot of smoke and would often have to be used outside and, if used incorrectly, could leave soot marks on the clothes. Sadirons and flatirons were smaller, flat pieces of metal with a metal handle, which would be heated directly inside the stove or over a fire before use. However, because the iron was made entirely of metal, it needed to be handled carefully with a cloth covering the handle or else you could burn yourself very easily. Additionally, it lost heat very easily, and often you would need two irons being heated and used in rotation while ironing, creating additional material cost. |
People |
Woodcock, Harriet Mrs. Thomas Anderson |
Subjects |
Clothing Appliance Textile Sadiron Flatiron |