A hand iron is a piece of equipment that is used for pressing garments.
Today irons are heated by electricity. In the past irons have been heated
by gas flame, stove plate heat, or by setting the iron on hot coals.
In 1882 a man by the name of Henry W. Seely patented the electric iron
which at the time was called the electric flatiron. It was not a very save
way to iron.
Steam irons which are
what most irons are today came about in the 1950's. Back then they were
made of metal, today as we know most are made of plastic on the outside
and if they fall off your ironing board will most likely break.
Irons made of iron with a handle can
be found in many antique stores today. They are usually black and
heavy. They were put on hot coals, then the garment was sprinkled
with water, and then it was pressed.
Recommended Pressing
Ham and Iron for Your Sewing Room
