Early Victorian BOX IRON & SLUG for Pressing Clothes / 19th century Laundry Appliance / Downton Abbey Housekeeping / Antique Shop Display

"Known as a box iron, this contains a 'slug' which was heated on the Victorian cooking range then placed inside the iron. Such irons were preferred by the housekeeping staff of English Country Houses (as in Downton Abbey) to ensure clothes remained spotlessly clean during pressing. The more common 'flat irons' would have been placed directly on the fire resulting in soot or charcoal leaving marks on the freshly laundered items. One can pity the young housemaid who was tasked with the job - this box iron weighs over 7 pounds (3.5kg). The solid iron 'slug' accounts for half the weight despite its relatively modest size (see photo 6). This immense weight means that shipping rates are high. The transport costs could be reduced by circa 40% if you don't want the slug insert, although it does complete the box iron and looks very impressive on display. They are also becoming increasingly difficult to find nowadays outside of a museum. A miniature in-built crane lifts the rear door to accommodate the slug (photo 7) and lowered once it is in place. Measures 7.5\" tall and 7\" long. The widest side is 4\". Or 19 x 18 x 10 centimetres. This will be well packaged and shipped to your overseas home by Royal Mail Tracked and Signed Global Priority Service or Royal Mail Parcelforce within the UK. Fully insured against loss or damage."