A different (ironing) iron

[fernando]

Within the Ethno Miscellania concept, i am posting this iron, as it shows signs of
considerable age, as well of considerable rarity for, among the zillion old irons i have seen out there, i found none like this.
I would venture its age being from the 18th century, but i am just guessing, based on its condition and also lack of comparison to other similar examples.
Besides its age, an asset for collectors, i appreciate its rather interesting and peculiar overall shape, and with a so slender base; most certainly an ironing tool made to reach narrow and cornered areas of the garment ... i would say.
Anyone ever seen something og the kind ?

.

[Sajen]

Look like a smoothing iron! :D

Regards,
Detlef

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Within the Ethno Miscellania concept, i am posting this iron, as it shows signs of
considerable age, as well of considerable rarity for, among the zillion old irons i have seen out there, i found none like this.
I would venture its age being from the 18th century, but i am just guessing, based on its condition and also lack of comparison to other similar examples.
Besides its age, an asset for collectors, i appreciate its rather interesting and peculiar overall shape, and with a so slender base; most certainly an ironing tool made to reach narrow and cornered areas of the garment ... i would say.
Anyone ever seen something og the kind ?

.


Salaams Fernando... It does appear to be an Iron or as they are called Sad Irons. Here is as close a reference to them I've seen on web~ http://www.popscreen.com/p/MTAzMTQ5MDM5/18c-antique-hand-forged-sad-charcoal-iron-clothes-coal-iron- noting this is a shortened vee shape and an oddly straightened handle but with the twist in the end. About 5 months ago a couple of these turned up in my store but I was puzzled and discarded them ...now they have vanished ! Sad Irons. 18th C :shrug:
Also see http://www.antiqbuyer.com/All_Archives/IRONS_ARCHIVE/childs_irons3_arch.htm for similar examples....
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Jim McDougall]

Actually now looking at this, it certainly is an iron, and we see these in various style often in museums and antique stores throughout the west and here in Texas. I think these were used into the early 20th century in many rural settings.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Actually now looking at this, it certainly is an iron, and we see these in various style often in museums and antique stores throughout the west and here in Texas. I think these were used into the early 20th century in many rural settings.


Salaams Jim, While rummaging in my store I discovered two whopping great irons and thought what great bookends they would make.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi. :shrug:

[fernando]

So sorry guys but, what am i missing ? I never suspected this was an iron :o :D .
My proposal went for its unusual shape and evident signs of age.
I could bet my right hand that this not from the early XX century :rolleyes: ;)

[Rick]

Why that's no bet at all Fernando . :D
I agree; no way this was made anywhere near the 20th century .
Definitely pre industrial revolution .
It looks like it has spent quite some time in Mother Earth's bosom .

[fernando]

Why that's no bet at all Fernando . :D
Ah, you caught me :p :eek:.

I agree; no way this was made anywhere near the 20th century .
Definitely pre industrial revolution .
Absolutely !

It looks like it has spent quite some time in Mother Earth's bosom .
Don't know; could it be that all the heat it has been subject to, caused all that corrosion ?

[Rick]

Looking at it again, I'm starting to think maybe it's a Viking spear head that was heated and bent before being buried with it's deceased owner ... ;) :D

[fernando]

Oh, i guess you're right, Rick.
I always thought there was something wrong with this thing :eek:

[M ELEY]

It really is amazing when you start to research some of the tools that we take for granted today. Awhile back, I picked up what I thought might be a rough colonial spontoon blade with corrosion and patina much like your iron. After I purchased it, I looked more closely and noticed bits of concretion on the tip of it and realized it was a plastering trowel. Not being a collector of tools and thinking it not too old, I gave it to a friend of mine who collects such. It was only later that I found out that it still probably dated to colonial America! Here in Winston Salem, we have the town of Old Salem, founded in 1759. The buildings are brick and I can now imagine that trowel being used to build them. Your iron has a history all its own, even if it is not of a military use. I think it has character!

BTW, Fernando, glad you get to keep your hand! :eek: :D

[fernando]

... BTW, Fernando, glad you get to keep your hand! :eek: :D
:eek: