18th Century English Lift-Gate Box Iron
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18th Century English Lift-Gate Box Iron - No ReserveAside from flat irons, one of the earliest type of efficient irons from Europe was a box iron. This English box iron was hand crafted from the late 1700s through the late 1800s by mostly Cornish blacksmiths. The base of the iron is hollow so that it could hold a heated block/slug known as an iron pig. Heat would be transferred from the hot iron block to the base of the iron which could then smooth out wrinkled or crumpled clothes. Since most of the clothes of the period was cotton, clothing required ironing to make it smooth and presentable. The iron pig was inserted through a guillotine-style, lift gate at the back of the iron. To radiate the heat more evenly, and prevent hot spots, metal conductors fashion on the inside sole plate of the iron, distributed the heat over the base. Blacksmiths developed elaborate designs with metal to distribute the heat. This iron is no exception. The internal design is as intricate as well as it is functional. This iron is a gorgeous example of early European slab construction.Box irons were relatively expensive, their advantage was that they were cleaner to use compared to charcoal irons or flat irons, and not as heavy.Bringing this iron to public auction was a unique experience. It was sold in a dark container filled with mineral oil in order
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