Coal iron

A coal iron is a device used for ironing, meaning the smoothing of fabrics or leathers using the appropriate temperature and pressure. It resembled modern electric irons in shape but was heated by placing glowing coals inside it, on a removable grate. Unlike its predecessor – the storage iron, which quickly lost heat and needed to be reheated during use – the coal iron allowed for longer ironing sessions because the embers maintained a high temperature. However, one drawback of the coal iron was the risk of soiling the fabric with ash or even burning holes in it with escaping sparks. Additionally, harmful smoke was released during the burning of the coal, which posed a risk to the person ironing. Coal irons were common household items before the widespread availability of electricity. From the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, they were the most popular type of iron, especially in rural areas. In Poland, they were still used in less electrified areas in the second half of the 20th century. The ethnographic collection of the National Museum in Szczecin includes a coal iron with a typical shape. The lower part of the body has air holes that allow airflow into the device. It features an interesting, decorative handle in the shape of a dragon's head with bird-like features, and on the inside of the lid, there is the number "2" and a small, six-pointed star, which are likely manufacturer markings. Agnieszka Słowińska