What was the job of ironing clothes without electricity?

What was the job of ironing clothes without electricity?

At home, ironing traditional fabrics without the benefit of electricity was a hot, arduous job. Irons had to be kept immaculately clean, sand-papered and polished. They must be kept away from burning fuel, and be regularly but lightly greased to avoid rusting.

When did they start using flat irons for ironing?

These continued in use for “ironing” in some places into the mid-19th century, long after Western blacksmiths started to forge smoothing irons in the late Middle Ages. Flattish hand-size stones could be rubbed over woven cloth to smooth it, polish it, or to press in pleated folds.

How many irons do you need for an ironing stove?

You’d need at least two irons on the go together for an effective system: one in use, and one re-heating. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.

When did they start using detachable handles on irons?

Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. (See these irons from Central Europe .) Cool handles stayed even cooler in ” asbestos sad irons “.

Is it better to buy old cast iron or new cast iron?

Not everything new is better, but that doesn’t mean modern cast iron is worthless either. Good quality craftsmanship gives a piece its value, and as with everything else, old jewelry and vintage engagement rings for example, people once had more time to spend on labor, resulting in finer products.

What’s the best way to describe a vintage cast iron?

Collectors refer to this as a “mirror” or “satin” finish, which is one way to distinguish a well-loved vintage cast iron piece. These days, when everything is produced for the bottom line, cast iron is made with a machine, which means the attention to detail when done by hand gets lost.

Where can I find a cast iron skillet?

SMALL 4 1/2″ ROUND SIDNEY HOLLOW WARE CO. CAST IRON SKILLET WITH INTERESTING ADVERTISEMENT ON BOTTOM READS W.W. FUNGE JR. UP AGENT SIDNEY HOLLOW WARE CO. 927 MARKET ST.

What kind of finish do cast iron pans have?

After cooling, vintage cast iron cookware would get smoothed down (also by hand) with a grinding stone, or milled, to make the pan’s surface flat and slick. Collectors refer to this as a “mirror” or “satin” finish, which is one way to distinguish a well-loved vintage cast iron piece.