Flat irons (sad irons)
These are those irons constructed of cast or wrought iron. Many of these irons were designed to have cooler or cold handles such as the Mrs Potts irons with detachable wooden handles. Some foundries made irons in graduated sizes from 0, 1 and 2 up to 24 or more. These irons were popular in the late 19th century and the early 20th century.
Slug irons
These were the main design alternative to the flat iron in the 19th century but they were widely used in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries as well. They were hollow and contained a metal slug that was heated and then inserted into the iron with tongs.
Slug irons were constructed of brass or iron and were often highly decorated.
Flat irons (sad irons)
These were heated with charcoal or wood coals and had a number of air vents that controlled the air supply. Many had chimneys for exhaust gases. Oriental charcoal irons were open pan and very early in origin.
Goffering irons and fluters
These were designed to produce ruffles or frills. Nineteenth century fashion involved a lot of frills, pleats and laces in both men's and women's clothing. Goffering irons were often very decorative and made of brass or iron. They consisted of a hollow barrel which varied in size and was mounted on a stand. They were heated by placing a heated poker or slug inside the barrel.
Fluters produced ruffles by pressing dampened fabric between two heated ribbed surfaces.
Special purpose irons
Polishing irons
These were special irons used to put a shine on cuffs and collars. They were an oval shape with rounded edges and usually made of cast iron.
Hatters Irons
These were specially shaped to smooth the felt brim of the hat.
Goose Irons or Tailor irons
These were long flat cumbersome irons used to press seams.
The iron pictured is a revolving combination iron of about 1875.
Electric irons
These date back to the beginning of the 20th century when the use of electricity revolutionised the method of heating irons. Many ingenious inventions have been made to improve the performance of electric irons along with a range of construction materials.
Irons in the 20th century were made from china, enamel, Bakelite and steel. In the 21st century, irons are all thermostatically controlled and have in built steam options. The need for ironing has been reduced by the introduction of fabrics which are crease-resistant.