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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Now that they’ve been washed, the linens are clean and ready to use. The final touch that really brings them to life is a good pressing. I’ve heard people brag that they don’t even own an iron. I actually find ironing linens and textiles to be relaxing. Try ironing while watching TV or listening to your favorite music.

A good iron does make a difference. I prefer the Rowenta irons, which have a smooth stainless soleplate and easily regulated temperature settings. They are also heavier, which facilitates the ironing. The weight helps press out the wrinkles and leave a smooth finish.

Antique Cast Iron Sad Iron: This weighty iron build up the arm and shoulder muscles why finishing the laundry. Marked “U D X 5″ on the top, this iron measures and weighs 4.5 pounds. Wow, what a job getting your laundry caught up! Offered by GoAntiques dealer Pieces of the Past.

Textiles are much easier to iron when they are still slightly damp. If something is completely dry, then dampen it with a spray bottle. If there is any embroidery or needlework on the piece, place it face down on a soft towel and iron the back. This prevents the stitching from getting smashed by the iron. Also, avoid ironing in creases. Repeatedly ironing along the same crease lines will eventually break down the fabric and cause weak areas.

Never iron fabric at too high a setting. If, by accident you get a light scorch mark (not a burn, but a light pale brown scorching), don’t worry the piece isn’t ruined. You can resoak the item to remove the scorch mark. Sometimes, if the iron is too hot and there’s any detergent residue left in the fabric from a poor rinsing, it will scorch easily.

Vintage Electric Iron and Storage Rack: This vintage General Electric steam iron comes with its own special holding, storage rack. Titled “True Heat” and sold by Betty Crocker, it has the steam attachment and is in working condition. Offered by GoAtniques dealer Globe Antiques and Collectibles.

I’m often asked by customers what kind of starch I use. Well, I don’t use any. I don’t like starch or the stiff roughness it gives to wonderful old linens. I prefer the soft natural feel of the fabric. A well-ironed tablecloth will lie on a table and fall beautifully over the edges eliminating any need for starch. Too much starch can take away from the natural feel and draping of the fabric.

If you absolutely must starch something, don’t starch it and then store it. Starch yellows over time, causing stains that can be difficult to remove. Some starches, particularly the older ones, attract bugs that eat the starch and the fabric along with it. Iron and starch an item just before using. Then be sure to wash it well after it’s been used and before putting it away.

In general, it’s best to store linens before they are ironed and then iron them before using. Never store linens or textiles where they will be in contact with wood. This will deteriorate the fabric and cause yellowing and brown staining, which can be very difficult to remove. Always wrap linens or textiles in acid-free paper or cotton to protect them. An old cotton sheet works great for this.

And never store textiles in plastic! Fabric consists of natural fibers that need to breathe. If you plan to store tablecloths, napkins or runner for a long time, roll then on a cardboard tube covered in acid free paper. This prevents fold line creases from setting in, which again may weaken the fabric.

Tablecloths and runners can be stored draped over a wide hanger to avoid creasing. Never use a wire hanger, unless it has a cardboard tube or something to protect the items from the metal. With any hanger, especially wooden ones, place either acid-free paper or a cotton sheet between the hanger and the tablecloth to protect it. If you don’t plan to use it for awhile, cover it with another piece of acid-free paper or sheet to keep the dust off.

With a little care and attention, your vintage and antique textiles and linens will last for many more generations, providing a wonderful keepsake to pass on to your family. But most importantly, don’t be afraid to use them and enjoy them as they were meant to be.

Lynda Kolski is a Worthologist who specializes in early linens and textiles.