Antique Miniature Salesman Sample Charcoal Sad Iron Wood Handle 4"

Description

Late 19th century salesman sample / miniature charcoal sad iron / clothes press with arch shaped wooden handle and and finial. Top lifts off for access to interior.

The charcoal iron is an ancestor to the modern electric iron. While today's irons use electricity to heat their metal bases and to generate steam, charcoal irons were heated by smoldering coals which were taken from a fire and placed inside a box on the top of the iron. The lid of the box had a handle which allowed people to hold the hot iron as they ran it over clothing, smoothing out wrinkles. The earliest examples of charcoal irons were found in China. There are paintings dating back to over a thousand years ago depicting women using an early charcoal ironing process. People would place charcoal in a metal pan and run it over silk and other wrinkled fabrics. In the Western world, people ironed their clothing with "sad irons," which were extremely heavy iron bars with handles that were heated in a fire. Some time in the 19th century, people in the west caught up to China, developing their own charcoal irons.

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle wear

Dimensions

3.75” x 2” x 2.625” (Width x Depth x Height)