Although some of these small antique pressing irons were specifically aimed to be marketed to young girls, many little irons of this style were more meant for adults needing a little iron when a full-size counterpart just would not do for the specific task at hand. Cap irons are a prime example of this. These beautifully shaped oval irons were considered an absolute necessity for proper ironing of certain types and styles of caps and hats. Some were wide ovals and some were more streamlined, but typically they had flat horizontal handles that allowed the ironer to apply the downward pressure on the little iron that was required to do the job well.
Round back and double pointed little pressing irons are examples of some inventor's "better idea" of how to eliminate the "divots" in fabrics that were sometimes accidentally caused by the back points of the base in spade shaped irons when pressing too hard on the back end of the handle. The round back shape was thought to glide better over the fabric without leaving any unwanted indents. The forms of these antique irons are wonderfully graceful, and in these little size irons they are absolutely exquisite.
These little antique irons are some of the most sought after of all, and found very infrequently except in long-time collections like these that we have the pleasure of helping disperse.
Little
Enterprise with Hole-in-the-Handle Irons This was the Enterprise
Mfg. Co. of Philadelphia’s child-size version of their ventilated
cold-handle iron. There is another version of this little iron where the
holes are just indents from both sides, but these two are the model where
the holes go clear through all the way. But these two are different from
each other---take your pick from the nickel plated one on the right or the
dark iron finish one on the left.
Click for Pic
BCM-203
Left..........Good +.................$75.00
Right..........Very Good.................$95.00
"Carron"
Oval or Egg Shaped Scottish Cap Iron It was originally thought that Carron was a
French company but further research has determined it to be a Scottish
foundary begun in 1791. The casting on this 3 3/4 inch cap iron is a
little rough, but the form makes up for whatever is lacking in smoothness.
(TC 190[b])
Click for Pic
Very Good.................$45.00
GS-OC-1
"Carron"
Oval or Egg Shaped Scottish Cap Iron Carron was a Scottish foundary begun in 1791.
The casting on this 3 3/4 inch cap iron is a bit taller than the one above,
but similar in other regards.
Very Good.................$35.00
LM-OC-1
Rolled
Strap Handle Mini Tear Drop Iron D C are the initials cast into the top of this
one. It could stand for her name, or your name, your girlfriends name,
your teachers name, or especially the name of that special person on on your
your gift list.
Very Good .............$35.00
LM-OC-3
"SIV"
Clover Cap Iron I am not sure what the initials stand for or
what the clover logo means other than to impart the sense of good luck.
Very Good ..........$35.00
LM-OC-2
2
Different French Antique Cap Irons Take a look at the little differences between
these two antique cap irons. The iron on the left with the open rolled
strap handle has a mark that is hard to
make out but it indicates the French Herbulot foundery.
(TC 187[a]) The iron on the right is unmarked as to maker but has a nicely
formed half-rod handle. It measures 3.5 inches which is just a
fraction smaller than the first iron here.
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Very Good.................$48.00 each
GS-OC-5 GS-OC-6
2
Different French Antique Cap Irons One has a decorated edge and is inscribed N M 4
The other is simpler and has a very nice cast handle.
Click for Pic
Very Good.................$35.00 each
ML-OC ML-OC
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