Description

4.5 KG Dhobi Brass Charcoal Iron Box Koyla Press

Package Dimensions:- 27.94 x 27.94 x 27.94 cm

Item Weight:- 4 kg 500 g

Product:- 4.5 KG Dhobi Brass Charcoal Iron Box Koyla Press

If you make the base of your iron into a container you can put glowing coals inside it and keep it hot a bit longer. This is a charcoal iron, and the one being used in India, where it’s not unusual to have your ironing done by a “press wallah” at a stall with a brazier nearby. Notice the hinged lid and the air holes to allow the charcoal to keep smouldering. These are sometimes called ironing boxes, or charcoal box irons, and may come with their own stand.

For centuries charcoal irons have been used in many different countries. When they have a funnel to keep smokey smells away from the cloth, they may be called chimney irons. Antique charcoal irons are attractive to many collectors, while modern charcoal irons are manufactured in Asia and also used in much of Africa. Some of these are sold to Westerners as reproductions or replica “antiques”. Some irons were shallower boxes and had fitted “slugs” or “heaters” – slabs of metal – which were heated in the fire and inserted into the base instead of charcoal. It was easier to keep the ironing surface spotlessly clean, away from the fuel, than with flatirons or charcoal irons. Brick inserts could be used for a longer-lasting, less intense heat. These are box or slug irons, once known as ironing boxes too. In some countries they are called ox-tongue irons after a particular shape of insert.

Late 19th century iron designs experimented with heat-retaining fillings. Designs of this period became more and more ingenious and complicated, with reversible bases, gas jets and other innovations.

Charcoal Iron Box is used in India by dhobi at dhobi ghat and shops that iron customers clothes for a charge. Use of charcoal enables the ‘Iron Man – Dhobi’ (as they are referred to locally) not to rely on electricity which is not guaranteed during business hours due to frequent ‘power cuts’. This iron is also the only option for mobile units that provide door to door cloth ironing / laundry service.

This vintage iron box fueled by charcoal is still used in India. The body and ironing surface of this new iron box has a wooden handle. This instrument makes an interesting antique show piece or collectible.