The “mystery” object in the photo: a charcoal box iron Full article

cast iron.

Unlike a solid iron that had to be placed directly on a stove, this version was hollow.

The chamber inside held burning charcoal, allowing the heat source to travel with the tool.

Once the coals were glowing, heat passed through the metal and warmed the flat soleplate beneath them.

The user could then move the iron across cloth without returning continue reading …