Iron - Coal Heated, circa 1850

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Summary:: Coal-heated cast iron flat iron used in a mental health hospital in Victoria, Australia, circa 1850.
Description:: Black, cast-iron iron has a shield-shape base, straight sides 6cm high and a flat top. It has a tubular wooden handle with brackets that curve inward in a semi-circle at the bottom. The back wall of the iron slides upward, operated by a thin shaft, threaded through a loop at the back of the handle then bent over, with a small round handle on the end. The hollow centre of the iron was filled with hot coals.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	16.00 cm (Height), 9.00 cm (Width), 12.00 cm (Length)

Tagged with:	irons, laundering, psychiatric hospitals
Themes this item is part of:	Psychiatric Services Collection, Medicine in Society Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection
Primary Classification:	MEDICINE & HEALTH
Secondary Classification:	Mental Health - Institutional Life
Tertiary Classification:	laundering
Place & Date Used:	Victoria, Australia, circa 1850
References:	card with exhibit.