It’s always hard trying to decide which pieces to relinquish. Each one has its own special history, either a known provenance or memories of a special place or time when it was purchased. Let me share four items that I have parted with in the past but could now kick myself for doing so.

I Wish I Hadn’t Sold That …

Hochin Pocket Alcohol Cook Stove

Tin, circa. 1878, with instructions and trivet. What an interesting relic; so unusual in that it was a complete set in the original box. Instructions from this little 4 3/8”-wide x 2”-tall pocket stove proclaimed “with broiler and gridiron on which can be broiled a steak or chop, oysters, ham, fish, etc. or make Toast as there is neither Smell nor Smoke from the Flame.” All I can say is that portion sizes must have been MUCH smaller in 1878!

Horseshoe Plaque, Good Luck with Doves

Cast Iron, circa. 1880, 8” x 6” with original gold paint. I parted with this piece at a time I was downsizing my horseshoe plaque collection. I guess I didn’t appreciate how truly unusual it was and, of course, I’ve never seen another since. However, it was sold to an advanced collector (who is also a friend), so I know it has found a good home in a respected collection.

Victorian Era Toy Trivet

Brass, circa. 1890s, 4” x 2.5″ with the words “Good Luck.” This delicately cast trivet would have been the companion to a toy brass iron. A child’s little iron and trivet of that era was fully functional, and on occasion might be borrowed by an adult to iron delicate pieces of lace or cuffs. Unfortunately, I parted with this piece before I knew I would one day be collecting toy irons and trivets!

American Beauty 79-AB Iron

Adjustable, automatic electric iron with chrome-plated cast iron soleplate and ruby Lucite handle, circa. 1947. This iron appeared to be mint in box, with the original tags. A beautiful design, it was once featured in an exhibit held at the Baltimore Museum of Art, entitled “Masterpieces of American Design.” The 79-AB American Beauty Iron was also offered with an amber Lucite handle.

So … what do these four items all have in common? All of them are either unusual in some way or truly scarce. What should be considered before deciding whether to part with a collectible?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is it truly scarce? If so, hold on to it for another year and then re-evaluate.
• Is it in the original packaging? Keep it! It will only increase in significance and value.
• Does it add spice to a collection? Think twice before selling this “Go With.”
• Find it fascinating? Consider the possibility that one day you might collect these!

And, should you ever make a sale you later regret, be sure to contact the buyer. Let them know you would be interested in purchasing it back, should they ever decide to sell.

Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist who specializes in trivets and kitchenalia.

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Berney, Esther (1977). “A Collector’s Guide to Pressing Irons and Trivets.” New York: Crown Publishers Inc. (hardbound). Many irons are pictured with their companion stands, and an entire chapter is devoted to trivets.

Geisert, Jim and Robin (2007). “Tuesday’s Reflections: A 30-Year Perspective.” Self-published (spiral bound). A beautifully photographed book, sharing the little irons and trivets from their collection. A nice modern companion to the Politzer books.

♥ Glissman, A. H. (1970). “The Evolution of The Sad-Iron.” Self-published (hardbound and softbound). The definitive text on the sad iron including trivets from the author’s collection. Irons from around the world are presented.

Hankenson, Dick (1972). “Trivets Book 1.” Des Moines, Iowa: Wallace-Homestead Book Co. (spiral bound). Trivets from the author’s collection with commentary. Although much of the information is outdated by today’s standards, the author’s love of trivets is obvious.

Hankenson, Dick (1972). “Trivets Book 2.” Des Moines, Iowa: Wallace-Homestead Book Co. (spiral bound). More trivets from the author’s collection including a section on trivets identified as reproductions.

Irons, David (1994). “Irons By Irons.” Self-published (softbound). A great review of the most commonly encountered irons with a rarity and value guide.

Irons, David (1997). “More Irons By Irons.” Self-published (softbound). A continuation of his first book. As before, nice descriptions of the different categories of irons.

Kelly, Rob Roy and Ellwood, James (1990). “A Collector’s Guide to Trivets and Stands.” Lima, Ohio: Golden Era Publications (hardbound). Often referred to as the “Trivet Collector’s Bible,” this reference presents a wealth of research with hundreds of trivets.

♥ Mitchell, Hazel (1991). “British Iron Stands.” Self-published (spiral bound, 100 numbered copies). Assembled by Mitchell for the 8th International Conference of Iron Collectors.

Politzer, Judy (1977). “Tuesday’s Children: Collecting Little Irons and Trivets.” Self-published (spiral bound). A detailed guide to toy irons and their companion trivets.

Politzer, Judy (1986). “Early Tuesday Morning: More Little Irons and Trivets.” Self-published (spiral bound). Even more information on toy irons and trivets.

Revi, Albert Christian (Ed.) (1974). “Spinning Wheel’s Collectible Iron, Tin, Copper & Brass.” Castle Books (hardbound). A compilation of articles first appearing in Spinning Wheel Magazine 1950-1973 including three devoted to trivets.

Rosack, Margaret Lynn (2004). “The A-Z Guide to Collecting Trivets.” Paducah, Ky.: Collector Books (softbound). My first book, designed as a beginner’s guide to collecting trivets and sad iron stands. An expanded edition is scheduled for release by Collector Books in the spring of 2010.

Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist who specializes in trivets and kitchenalia.

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Hop on my imaginary jet, and let’s visit some destinations in the UNITED STATES!

Antiques of a Mechanical Nature
The primary focus of this Web site is the buying and selling of American antiques and collectibles related to tools and technology, scientific antiques, and patented and mechanical antiques and collectibles. However, it also provides a wealth of archived information. Be sure to explore the links in the tab along the left side of the home page.

CI&BTC—Cast Iron & Brass Trivet Collectors
This public eBay group was established in 2003 and currently has more than 320 members. It maintains one of the largest member-sponsored photo albums of any Web site. eBay membership (and an interest in trivets) are the only prerequisites for entering this site.

The Figural Cast Iron Collectors Club
Members of The Figural Cast Iron Collectors Club celebrate the artisanship and history reflected in antique and vintage figural cast-iron pieces.

My Antique Stove
My Antique Stove is an online community of restorers, collectors, owners and admirers of antique stoves. It’s a fascinating destination at which to research antique stoves, stove accessories, stove makers and stove restorations.

PITCA—Pressing Iron & Trivet Collectors of America
The Pressing Iron and Trivet Collectors of America was founded July 22, 1984, in Owatonna, Minn., as The Midwest Sad Iron Collectors Club—MSICC. This organization boasts members in 40 states plus Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Shaker Brook Farm Antique Pressing Iron Museum
“The Original Community Page for Antique Pressing Iron Collectors” . . . everything about pressing irons and much more.

WAGS—Wagner & Griswold Society
WAGS is a society of cast-iron and aluminum cookware collectors. Its extensive database includes information on Griswold trivets and techniques for cleaning cast iron.

Now, let’s travel farther, and go INTERNATIONAL!

AUSTRALIA: Australian Iron Club
The Australian Iron Club was established in 1992 and meets regularly to discuss antique pressing irons.

FRANCE: PHER—Patrimoine Histoire et Etude du Repassage
PHER translates as the “Origin, History and the Study of Ironing.” This association of iron collectors was established in 1992. Its Web site can be viewed in either French or English.

SWITZERLAND: Club Suisse Des Amis Des Fers A Repasser Anciens
(Swiss Club of Friends of Antique Pressing Irons)
Although the Web site is not presented in English, it is, regardless, a feast for the eyes. Be sure to explore all the different tabs in the menu.

UNITED KINGDOM: AMS—Antique Metalware Society
The aim of the society is to increase the knowledge and appreciation of objects made of nonprecious metals and their alloys. Many aspects of metalware are studied including style, usage and methods of manufacture and history, with an emphasis on the study of domestic artifacts. The Web site features a glossary of terms, as well as an A-to-Z catalog of maker’s marks for copper and brasswares.

Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist who specializes in trivets and kitchenalia.

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The fronts of these cards were humorous, decorative or offered some type of political commentary. If printed on two sides, the reverse featured product advertising. People of the late 1800s enjoyed collecting these cards, gluing them into albums along with other period ephemera, such as calling cards.

American Machine Company Trade Card, advertising their Iron & Trivet.	Trade Card for the Ideal Sad Iron with a removable wooden handle.

Most cards were composed of a combination of paper pulp and rag—similar to paper money—making them extremely durable. Because of this, cards can be carefully soaked from the album pages and pressed, dried and redistributed for sale. Look carefully at any card you are considering buying. You may find evidence of discoloration on the reverse where the card was mounted in an album.

Condition is all-important in valuation of these cards. Various defects, which will lower their value, are: stains, tears, creases, chips, fading, scrapes or scuffing. The ultimate card for a collection is one in Very Fine or Mint condition, showing none of the defects mentioned. Interestingly, since trade cards with color images were the most popular with the Victorian public, those printed with black and white images are scarce and often much more valuable than their colorful cousins.

A typical Mrs. Potts Trade Card, advertising her line of irons.	Reverse of the Mrs. Potts Sad Iron card, typical of the company advertising.

Depending upon your field of interest, you’ll find cards that enhance your collection. As a trivet and iron collector, I naturally gravitate toward cards that advertise laundry-day products. There were cards advertising irons, stoves, washers, wringers, laundry detergents and starches. Perhaps the most collectible of this genre are the Mrs. Potts Sad Iron cards, which are becoming harder and harder to find. Cards in fine condition sell today in the $30 to $60-plus range.

Interested in learning more? A wonderful reference is the “Victorian Trade Cards: Historical Reference & Value Guide” by Dave Cheadle.

Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist who specializes in trivets and kitchenalia

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Sad Iron: Enterprise Girl's Toy Iron #105, circa 1870s; value $75

Stove Lid Lifter: "Barstow Ranges," late 1800s; value $35

Stove Trivet: "Slow Cooking Cover," 7" diameter, late 1800s; value $45

Washboard: 18" tall Washboard with Victorian swimsuit advertising; value $65

Washing Machine Wringer: "Horseshoe Brand" wringer from 1910; value $125

What’s a “Go With?” It’s any complementary piece that adds interest to a collection. One category that comes to mind is kitchenalia, pieces of which can provide the perfect accent to many collections.

If future resale value is important to you, then select items that are identifiable. A collectible that can be traced as to manufacturer is generally more valuable, and dated items are always in higher demand. Period advertising on any item also validates its age and makes it more collectible. Keep in mind that items in better to fine condition will be the most likely to appreciate in value. And don’t forget to follow the collector’s credo: Always Buy the Best You Can Afford!

You should be able to find an old sad iron or stove lid lifter for as little as $15 to $25, with prices for those and other items escalating according to age, condition and scarcity. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Let’s start with Sad Irons. What does the word “sad” mean? Heavy! These irons were made of cast metal and increased in size according to the particular job they had to perform. Some tailor’s irons weighed more than 20 pounds! Some irons are quite valuable and end up in private collections; others that were used for the purpose intended, and show wear, are still wonderful for decorating. You can leave a sad iron “as is” or refinish it to match your decor. Larger, heavier irons make great bookends or doorstops. (In fact, that’s the term that iron collectors use for an iron that has been well used: a doorstop!) If you’re interested in learning more about antique and vintage irons and their values, I’d suggest the Dave Irons series of iron collecting books: Irons By Irons, More Irons By Irons, and Even More Irons By Irons (yes, Dave’s real last name is Irons!).

Early wood-burning stoves had round plates which, when lifted off, revealed the inner workings of the oven. Since these stoves were made of cast iron and became very hot, a special utensil

called a Stove Lid Lifter was needed to move the plates. Most lifters were made of steel or cast iron. Some were nickel- or chrome-plated, a coating that was both decorative and prevented rust. Many featured a company name, since stove companies often gave them away as advertising promotions. Others incorporated a decorative image on the handle.

Trivets are fascinating collectibles that come in all shapes and sizes. One interesting type of trivet was the Stove Trivet. It was built into the upper deck of an antique stove, hinged so it could swing down parallel to the stovetop. A Cereal Trivet, sometimes called a Simmer Cover, sat directly on the hot antique cast iron stovetop allowing the contents of a pot to simmer without being exposed to the direct heat of the burner. This prevented scorching and burning (a motto which was repeated on many trivets). One or more openings along these trivets allowed them to be moved using a stove lid lifter.

Washboards were constructed of either wood or metal, with the rubbing surface made of aluminum coated steel, brass, zinc, tin, graniteware, or glass. Collectible vintage and antique washboards date from the mid-1800s to the 1940s. As you search, be aware that modern versions are still being manufactured and sold today.

Back in the day when clothes were hand washed in a tub, as the final step each piece was fed individually through a Washing Machine Wringer to remove excess moisture. Some wringers were beautifully made of hardwood, designed to mount onto the washtub rim, and when in nice condition display beautifully.

I hope this has piqued your interest! Now … get out there and find yourself a “Go-With!”

 Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist, who specializes in trivets and ironing stands

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A trivet wishing New Year’s blessing in 1888.

Triveteers, take advantage of this New Year to renew your enthusiasm for collecting! Here are five suggestions to get you started:

1. Consider different options for displaying your trivets. Simple wall and tabletop displays are the usual choices, but eventually those can get boring. How about stepping outside the box and wiring smaller trivets to a wreath, or arranging a border of trivets along a stairway? You could also mount trivets within a shadow box or hang them around a stove or fireplace.

2. All collectors should maintain a detailed inventory. If you haven’t done this, there’s no time to begin like the present! You’ll want to make notes including the composition, dimensions, weight, purchase price and provenance (if applicable) of each trivet you add to your collection. You can either keep this information in a written journal or take advantage of the computer software available for organizing collections. And, as you record, consider the need for Insurance. Check with your agency, since many homeowner policies will not cover collectibles. If needed, you’ll find other agencies that specialize in insuring collectibles via the Internet.

3. Expand your mind and attend a large Antiques Show, a major Auction or a Convention in 2009! Activities like these will bring you in contact with other collectors, which will expose you to new ideas and open your consciousness to a much larger field of collectibles. You should be able to find local events by contacting your community antique dealers for more information. And this year’s national PITCA (Pressing Iron & Trivet Collectors of America) Convention will be held August 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. Be sure to join your national organization, and then consider attending its Convention. You won’t regret it!

4. Make it your mission to learn something new in 2009. If you currently collect only metal trivets, consider purchasing a few porcelain or tile trivets. Or select something unusual from one of the “Go With” categories of irons, advertising items or kitchenalia; then learn all about it.

5. And, by all means, please share your knowledge with others! Some ideas:
• Join a local Antiques Group and give a presentation on trivets.
• Offer to set up a trivet display within a glass case at your local Library.
• Contact your local newspaper and volunteer to be the subject of an article on the joys of collecting!

Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist who specializes in trivets and kitchenalia.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A Merry Little Christmas now.

Collecting Horseshoe Plaque Trivets is a fascinating hobby! It’s interesting to learn the history, practices and symbols of the different fraternal groups. And then there were the gift trivets … every year I find new examples: Happy Birthday, Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, Home Sweet Home … the list seems endless.

Some Facts about Horseshoe Symbolism

★ By the year 1000 AD cast bronze horseshoes, applied with nails, were being made in Europe.

★ The number seven has long been associated with luck, so it’s not unexpected to learn that a horseshoe was commonly nailed in place (on the hoof) with seven nails.

★ The original good luck Cast Iron Horseshoe was one lost by a horse. In order to be lucky it had to be discovered with the open end facing towards the finder. According to superstition it had to be hung by the same person who found it and with the open end up, in order to hold in the luck.

★ The rules for purchased good luck horseshoes were a bit different. They could be hung as noted above or with the ends pointed downward, so that the luck would flow out to surround and protect.

★ Horseshoes were thought to have the power to repel evil spirits. They were commonly placed over doorways and by chimneys to keep witches or fairies from gaining entrance to the home. A horseshoe nailed over the bed could protect against bad dreams and demons of the night. When used in this fashion the horseshoe ends had to point downward.

How to Identify a Horseshoe Plaque Trivet

Horseshoe plaque trivets differ from traditional trivets in that they are completely flat on the reverse … there are no feet: thus the designation plaque trivet. Some collectors claim that these horseshoe plaque trivets could have served the dual purpose of a sad iron stand: by turning them over, a hot iron could have rested on the flat surface. Is that true? I suppose we’ll never know for sure!

The majority of Horseshoe Plaque Trivets were manufactured from the mid 1800s through the early 1900s, peaking around 1890. They all share the basic horseshoe shape. Beyond that, designs varied according to the theme. Some were carnival prizes and might still bear traces of their original glitter. Others were fraternal emblems, lodge favors, commemoratives or were purchased as gifts. The American Eagle was featured atop many of these plaques, and Good Luck was a favorite sentiment.

Cast in iron, brass or bronze, most horseshoe trivets were six to seven inches in length, each weighing approximately one pound. Some had hanging rings attached to the reverse. Occasionally, larger ones were made for tabletop display, supported by a metal easel.

There were hundreds of different designs featuring fraternal symbols. Since many of those early organizations no longer exist, their histories, acronyms and symbolism can be difficult to research. A wonderful online reference is Richard Hartzog’s Complete List of Fraternal Organizations.

Searching for Horseshoe Plaque Trivets

The traditional place to discover these trivets has been the antique store/mall or flea market. Others would occasionally turn up at estate auctions. However, today the most convenient and efficient place to search is right here on the Internet. And, of course, the Search is half the fun! You’ll find them listed under various headings, such as horseshoe, horse shoe, plaque, paperweight, and wall hanger                                                       

 Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist who specializes in trivets and kitchenalia.

Facts About American Beauty Irons

The American Electrical Heater Company of Detroit, Michigan was originally established in 1894. They continued to manufacture household and commercial irons, as well as soldering irons, until going out of business in the early 1990s. This company manufactured a variety of electric irons over the years, for both household and commercial laundry use. However, their American Beauty line was an American favorite!

Amber & Ruby Lucite Handle Irons

Did you know that their translucent amber and ruby Lucite handle irons were so beautifully designed that they were once featured in an exhibit titled Masterpieces of American Design held at the Baltimore Museum of Art? Following is the information from the hangtag brochure for the 33-AB amber handle iron, manufactured in 1951:

American Beauty adjustable-automatic Electric Iron, Thermoscope Type, CAT. No. 33-AB

* Steel encased chrome-nickel heating element of 1000-watt input is cast in soleplate
* Soleplate is of aluminum-alloy with rounded edges
* Hood or cover is of steel, chrome plated
* Handle is of (amber) plastics
* Weight of iron is 3 pounds
* 7 foot, 10,000-cycle super-flexible heater cord with attachment-plug cap
* Iron is listed under Re-examination Service of Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc.

Their translucent ruby Lucite handle iron was released a few years earlier in 1947. The description is similar except that the soleplate was of chrome-plated cast iron, making this iron heavier at 4.5 pounds. The other earlier electric irons in their production line were heavier as well, made of chrome plated cast iron and steel.

American Beauty Travel Iron

Another interesting American Beauty Iron was their travel iron, featuring a bright red Bakelite insert in the handle. Compact and lightweight, it easily slipped into luggage for pressing touch ups.

Companion Trivet

Early American Beauty Irons came with a companion trivet, which was a bi-level steel stand. Unfortunately, the bi-level design did not hold up well over time … they tend to be dented, rusty and it’s difficult to clean and restore them. So shop around you find a nice one to add to your growing American Beauty Iron collection

As You Buy …

Early to mid Twentieth Century American electric irons are becoming more scarce as time goes by. Smart collectors are picking up nice examples for their collections whenever the opportunity arises! Purchase an iron in near mint condition … with the original box and hang tag if possible. The original packaging makes your iron even more valuable. Add the companion trivet if one was made. And a word of warning … keep in mind that the inner insulation on the older woven cords was made of asbestos.

Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist who specializes in trivets and kitchenalia

According to Kelly & Ellwood in their 1990 book Trivets & Stands, the first George Washington Trivet was designed and cast in brass for the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876. George Washington was an appropriate subject, considering that the Exposition was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence!

In a few minute’s Internet Search I easily located several of these GW trivets. Some were obvious reproductions; others appeared to be older castings. So … if the design has remained essentially the same over the years, how would someone be able to differentiate a newer reproduction from an earlier casting?

Signature The original George Washington trivet had no signature on the reverse. Recent reproductions from JZH (1948), Darilyte and Virginia Metalcrafters (1950s-1960s) were signed with the company name; the Virginia Metalcrafters trivet also bears the company logo.

Casting Mark The oldest trivets will have either a sprue, wedge or poorly filed gate mark; see my Article, Trivets of Cast Metal. You probably will not be able to detect the gate mark(s) on a recent casting because they are so well filed.

Leg Length Modern reproduction trivets tend to have legs that are less than 1 inch in length; many may be only a half an inch. That’s because these trivets were meant for decorative wall display. Earlier castings will have longer legs because that lifted the trivet farther above the surface it was designed to protect.

Shape of Legs Modern reproduction trivets have legs that are short, straight and round on cross-section. Older trivets have legs that may taper or that are square, triangular, half or quarter round on cross-section.

Evidence of Wear Look at the top surface and the bottoms of the legs; on an older trivet some wear is to be expected. The legs on antique trivets often bend inward; this is seen more commonly on brass trivets but also occurs with cast iron.

Variations of Handle The original design featured a handle that was open in the center. Subsequent castings featured either an open or a solid handle.

Backcoping Backcoping refers to a routing out of sections of the trivet reverse in order to decrease both the amount of metal needed and the weight of the final casting. In the original casting, the area behind the bust of Washington is backcoped. In contrast, most modern reproductions are completely flat on the reverse.

The Pigtail! Modern reproduction designs often do not include the pigtail of the wig George is wearing; older castings will always include it.

And what about value? At one time the George Washington trivet design was considered scarce, but since the advent of the Internet many have been brought to Auction and they are now relatively easy to obtain.

* $25-$45: Signed, reproduction trivets
* $45-$85: Older, vintage or antique, unsigned versions in brass or iron
* $85- $185: The very nicest older specimens in cast iron or brass with a prominent casting mark, long legs, nice detail and no damage
* > $200: The highest bidding would be for an original, circa 1876 George Washington Trivet specimen in brass, with open handle, 1⅜” legs and and showing signs on the reverse suggesting its origins via wax casting. I would estimate that the bidding would start at around $200 and end at $350 to $500. Two or more passionate collectors, bidding against each other, could cause the ending price to be even higher. I believe the brass trivet pictured here to be an original casting. It has a sprue mark on the reverse and the legs are bent slightly inward from age.

Now that I’ve said all that, a very nice older specimen of the George Washington trivet, cast iron with a closed handle and sprue mark on the reverse, was offered at auction by Early American through Live Auctioneers and sold for $1000 in May 2007!

As they say, value is ultimately in the eye (and pocketbook) of the beholder.

 Lynn Rosack is a Worthologist who specializes in trivets and kitchenalia