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Antique Gas / Fuel Iron Sales Archives

 

The Comfort Revolving Natural Gas Fueled Iron    The early 1900's was a time period of creative thought and new invention in terms of novel ideas for designs in pressing irons.  The old methods of heating an iron---putting it on the stove to heat it from the outside or heating it with charcoal from within---were replaced with methods such as the one that powered this iron---combustible gas or other liquid fuels.  This example, manufactured by the Comfort Gas Appliance Manufacturing Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, would have been heated by running a flexible hose from a natural gas outlet in the wall to the pipe coming out the back of the iron.  Inside the iron body is a perforated tube within which the mixture of air and gas would burn.  A waffle patterned grid work of metal provided the screening to prevent the waste products of combustion and the flame from shooting outward.  What is unusual about this particular gas iron is its ability to revolve, a feature that allowed for multiple surfaces of the iron body to be used so that the iron could be turned over when the bottom face had cooled.  Given the fact that heat rises, the top face of the body would constantly be heated as the bottom face was being used and cooling.  A spring loaded latching mechanism was attached to the handle to provide for the locking and unlocking of the body.  This iron is in excellent condition with most of the original nickel plating remaining.        

Excellent....................SOLD

 

Acorn Mfg. Co. "Tank in the Handle" Gas Iron  This is probably one of the most unusual and graphic of all gas irons!  Manufactured by the Acorn Brass Mfg. Co. of Chicago, Illinois, and patented in 1913, this gas powered clothes iron claims the unusual feature of having the fuel tank designed as part of the handle.  How well it actually worked might be debatable, but what is undeniable is that it has a wildly streamlined "modern" look.  Can you imagine the feeling of pushing around an iron that resembled a rocket or missile---that must have appealed to the more adventurous consumers of the day but frightened away just as many!  Given how few of these irons are found I would guess it was not a huge marketing success. 

This example is in very nice condition.  There are a few minor chips in the black enamel finish, which do not distract and are hardly noticeable.  Like every other one of these irons I have ever seen there is a small amount of soot on the underside of the handle, which must have been inherent in the way it was designed---and I imagine many women simply stopped using them after the first flare up, which just adds another layer of desirability to the story of these unusual and rare irons.  What I haven't ever seen before on the other hand is the original parts list / instruction sheet / directions for operating which is included with this iron.  My favorite part of it reads: "After following the directions given and you find that you are still unable to secure satisfactory results, do not become discouraged.........as the irons are correct in mechanical construction, and it may be some little trifling trouble that must be overcome."       

Very Good ..... SOLD!     

 

The Grand Jewel Gas Iron  There is no way of knowing who the manufacturer of this good-looking fuel iron was, but the name "Grand Jewel" is boldly cast into the top in fancy letters with a five-point star in-between the words.   The rear-mounted tank is offset to one side and has a decorative wing nut-style screw cap.  Another wing nut provides the release for the top.  The wooden handle was obviously modeled from a Mrs. Potts type sadiron.  There is one small apology in the form of a small ding in the gas tank, but this is one of those gas irons with great eye-appeal and one that is sure to become one of your favorites!                 Very Good .........$125.00     SOLD

 

Decorative Ox Tongue Gas Iron  This fuel iron is likely European in origin and is a nice decorative example with a distinctive handle design and ornate casting of the heat shield.  It is in super condition, retaining better than 90% of its nickel plating.  The gas tank and burner lift out to reveal the inside of the hollow well-vented body.  There are just a very few minor dings in then tank.  The iron measures about 7 1/2" from toe to heal.                   Excellent................$175.00         SOLD

 

 

 

Coleman No. 5 Green Enamel Gasoline Iron   According to Carol and Jimmy Walker's research on the history of the Coleman Company, the Model 5 was made between 1930 and 1932 and was the last of the torch-lighting non-pressurized Coleman irons.  This example, which features the elongated ball-shaped nickel plated tank, is in nice overall condition.  There are a few chips in the enamel which you can see in the photos but it still looks good overall, and this one has its original wrench included.                

Good+.......... $95.00     SOLD

 

Coleman No. 1 Gasoline Iron   The Coleman Company of Wichita, Kansas manufactured over 30 different models of iron over the their long production period. The Coleman No. 1, the first iron to bear the Coleman name, was manufactured around 1924 according to longtime iron collectors and researchers Carol and Jimmy Walker.  Obviously in those early days the company had no idea of what was to come in terms of successive models---although this model has become known as the Coleman No.1 the iron is not marked with the model number but simply says "The Coleman Iron".  This example is complete with its wrench, trivet, and original instructions.      

Very Good.......... $75.00    SOLD

 

 Patented Jubilee Gas Iron    I always get a kick out of trying to think about the meaning behind the names that manufacturers of antique pressing irons gave to their products in the name of marketing!  I figure the idea here was that they hoped the housewife would rejoice in acquiring this "new" gas heated iron and in getting rid of that dirty, hot, and outdated charcoal or sad iron.  The Jubilee is one of those great looking antique irons and this example is in really nice condition.  To remove the top you turn the circular disk on the lid which unlatches it to reveal the inner piping.  The lid is marked with the Jubilee name, the location of Omaha, Neb., and the patent date of Oct. 31, 1899.  The last two numbers of the date are a bit unclear but readable.  I have seen this iron marked with a second patent date of 1904, but this is apparently an earlier version with the single patent date.  There is lots of nickel plating still remaining on the iron and it is ready to go on display!         Very Good....................$125.00     SOLD

 

 

Unusual Gas Iron with Bell Shaped Tank    This unusual iron is unmarked thus it's maker remains a mystery.  The unique shape of its rear-mounted tank with its decorative wing nut screw-top gives it a most distinctive look.  The release latch at the front end of the iron, which allows for the removal of the top, reveals the nicely dovetailed construction design that holds the top to the base at the back end.  Another unusual design feature is the use of the pronged pieces that enable the handle assembly to stand up off the iron top to provide an effective means of heat dissipation far superior to the more typical asbestos solution.  I don't believe this iron is pictured in the iron books, and it is not one that I have ever previously had the opportunity to own.  Here's your chance to make it yours!  There is one small ding in the fuel tank.         

Very Good ..... $95.00    SOLD

 

Noel Self-Heating Fuel Iron   John S. Noel of Grand Rapids, Michigan got his name on this liquid fuel iron, which shares the same Feb. 28, 1911 patent date as several other gas irons of the same exact design.  Obviously a situation where one company sold the rights to manufacture it to another, and then another, not unlike the bank I used to deal with that changed their name so many times in one year that it used to make me wonder who really had my money!  The condition of this iron guarantees you a good investment!                Excellent................$225.00        SOLD

 

E-Z Sad Iron Gas Iron  This liquid fuel iron is boldly marked "E-Z Sad Iron Hydrocarbon" and features a round rear-mounted fuel tank.  Research uncovered by Carol & Jimmy Walker indicates that was manufactured by the Enterprise Tool & Metal Works of Chicago, IL in the late 'teens, and is the "progenitor" of The Coleman Company's early "Hydro-Carbon" iron.  The  condition of this example is fine, and it's one that will add variety to your fuel iron collection.           Very Good ..... $95.00      SOLD

 

 

W. F. Shaw's Patent Gas Jet Iron   Though at first glance it looks like just another sadiron, closer examination reveals a more complex design.  The body of this iron is unusually thick, and there is an opening in the back end that opens up to a hollow cavity within. There are two channels on either side of the cavity walls which are vented to the outside, as you can see by the slots on the top side of the base.  Gas jet irons were made to be heated by inverting them over a wall-mounted gas outlet, and were marketed as a cleaner alternative to the blackened soot that was inevitable when irons were heated on the stovetop.  This iron is clearly marked with a nice early patent date of Sept. 1 1857.              Excellent.......... $225.00    SOLD

 

"Victor" Logansport Indiana Liquid Fuel Iron   This handsome gas iron looks to have seen little if any use on the ironing board judging from the condition, and it exhibits several noteworthy features.  The manufacturer's name and location is boldly and clearly cast into the top, along with the words "Pat Appld For".  Beneath that a brass tag was applied by what appears to have been the iron's distributor or marketing company stating that it is guaranteed by the "Munybak" (as in money-back) Company of Bluffton, Indiana.  I have a feeling they might not be in business anymore, but I will honor that guarantee and you can send it back to me for a full refund if you don't like the operation of this iron!   With nearly all of the nickel plating remaining I know you won't have any complaints about the condition.                  Excellent................$225.00         SOLD

 

Early Patented Front Tank Fuel Iron  Here is an example of a unusual fuel iron that is not pictured in any of the available reference material on antique irons.  It is boldly marked under the heat shield with a patent date of July 11, 1893, one of the earliest patent dates for a liquid fuel iron that I am aware of.  It features the design and construction that was initially used with the first gasoline irons, where the fuel tank is mounted at the front end of the iron, somewhat obstructing the ironer's view.  This was a common problem with early fuel iron design that was to be improved upon by moving the tank to the back end of the iron in the decades that followed the turn-of-the-century.  But in these early years that was yet to be figured out.  This iron is in outstanding original condition and a great looking example a yet-to-be researched iron patent.         Excellent ..... $250.00     SOLD

 

Early Crocker & Farnsworth Revolving Alcohol Fuel Iron   Here's an early revolving fuel iron that is not very often found, and which showed up on an internet auction a while back.  This iron was patented on March 20, 1877 and hails from Buffalo, NY. Somehow this example found its way to Southern Alabama, and now happily resides in Northern California on a shelf alongside a few of my other favorite antique pressing irons.  Revolving fuel irons such as this are one of our favorite style of irons to buy or add to our ever-growing collection / museum.  If you have anything similar we are strong buyers of this sort of ironing device.    Excellent ..... $450.00     SOLD

 

Early Revolving Alcohol or Whale Oil Iron  Here's another oil fired iron.  These are early and pretty hard to find. 

Excellent ..... $SOLD

 

 

 

 

Davis Porcelain / Enamel Natural Gas Iron  I think this vintage natural gas iron is English but it could be Australian.  Tell me if you know.  The gray speckled porcelain is in great condition and I love the form of the handle and the star wheel regulating screw.     Click for Pic     Click for Pic        

Excellent ..... $95.00     ML-GI-I-2      SOLD!           

 

British Patent Graniteware "Metro" Natural Gas Iron  This is an iron I haven't ever seen before and it has a great look to it.  The tag on it says it's called the "Metro".  From the shape of it I think the idea was to convey the sense that it was modern and sleek and would allow you to work with lightening-fast speed.  Don't you agree that there is something about it that just makes you want to push it around on the ironing board!  It has a great looking speckled gray and white graniteware finish, and it's in super condition with almost 100% of the nickel plating remaining and looking like it was hardly ever used.       Click for Pic     Click for Pic        

Excellent ..... $155.00          ML-GI-I-3     SOLD!            

 

Solid Fuel Revolving British Boudoir Iron  This antique iron is delightfully different.  It is marked "British Boudoir Iron", and I guess it was marketed to the "upper crust", so that the lady of the house could iron in the privacy of her room.  Just to do a few little things of course---I'm sure she had hired help to do the bulk of the it.  Anyway, this iron is heated by means of a pellet of flammable solid fuel.  The handle revolves and both sides are usable to iron with---since heat rises whichever side was on top would always be heating while you were using the bottom side.  To get it heated initially you could turn the iron completely upside down and rest it on the wooden handle, which served as a stand.  Pretty clever!  There is a little bit of "slop" in the revolving mechanism as there is nothing to actually lock it into position.           Click for Pic     Click for Pic        

Very Good ..... $45.00     ML-GI-I-4     SOLD!            

 

European Natural Gas Iron with Chimney    This antique gas iron is similar to an English iron marked "Wright of Birmingham", but this one appears to be unmarked, and is a slight variation.  It has a right angle side venting chimney and a cup-shaped heat shield.  There is a weld across the top that you hardly notice---I guess it got dropped years ago, and true to the times it was repaired instead of thrown away like it would have been had it happened nowadays.  OK, so it's a little dirty, but look at the great form!              Click for Pic             

Fair ..... $45.00     ML-GI-I-6     SOLD!     

  

 

Huge Tailor-size Imperial Gas Iron    These tailor's size gas irons are really impressive looking!  This 20 pound Imperial is in great shape---nice bold casting on the top, a great looking tank.  It will look great on display, especially next to a smaller iron.  I guarantee it's the kind of iron that people will take notice of!        Click for Pic      

ML-GTI-2                   

Excellent ..... $250.00     SOLD!

 

Ideal Sad Iron Mfg. Co. Gas Iron   Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio The Ideal Sad Iron Mfg. Co. manufactured this gas iron, putting their name and the patent date of Mar. 5, 1901 on the protective heat shield.  Other than producing this particular model, the company probably didn't do a whole lot more, as I have never seen any other irons marked with that company's name, and the only reference I could find to it was in Esther's Berney's comprehensive out-of-print book, The Collector's Guide to Pressing Irons.   These seldom-found models and variations of pressing irons are what make collecting so much fun!     LCM-GI-A-2       

Very Good ..... $35.00     SOLD!  

 

Unusual Gas Iron with Front Mounted Fuel Tank     This iron is different because the fuel tank is mounted at the front rather than the more typical placement at the rear.  This was a short-lived design because the general consensus was that having the tank out front blocked the ironer's view of the work.  And I have to admit, when I was pushing this thing around on the tabletop to check it out I did find myself concentrating or focusing more on that ball of fuel than paying attention to what I was doing.  I have heard collectors refer to this iron as "The Lamb", but what is actually marked on the base is "Mfd by Imperial Brass Mfg. Co. Chicago".  It's in really nice condition and will shine with just a light cleaning.             Click for Pic     Click for Pic       ML-GI-A-11         

Very Good ..... $75.00     SOLD!     

 

Milwaukee "Marvel" Patented Fuel Iron    This is a neat looking antique liquid fuel iron that shows some resemblance to the Sun Mfg. Co. gas iron.  This iron also has that distinctive horizontal fuel tank.  It says on it that it was manufactured in Milwaukee by A.J.L. CH Co. and there is also the word "gasoline" stamped into the screw-on fuel tank cap.  There is an interesting lever that releases the tank and burner assembly.  The iron is in super condition and will clean up nicely with just some fine steel wool.  This is one you'll be proud to have on display!         Click for Pic

ML-GI-A-10         

Excellent ..... $125.00      SOLD!        

 

Patent Applied For Natural Gas Iron Marked "Wright"    There is no pretense about this iron.  Just a simple design, clean good looks, and probably did the job every bit as good as irons costing twice the price.  From the way the writing is inscribed it looks to be of early manufacture.  It's in great condition with lots of nickel plating remaining and will clean up to display well.       Click for Pic

ML-GI-A-8         

Excellent ..... $55.00     SOLD!            

 

 

Imperial Self-Heating Gas Heated Flatiron   This iron hails from Chicago and is marked "Pat Appld For".  It is complete with its tank pressurizer.  This iron will clean up real nicely to be bright and shiny.  It's a little dirty and there is some surface corrosion, but there is actually a whole lot of original nickel plating remaining.     ML-GI-A-2       

Very Good ..... $35.00    SOLD!      

 

 

Montgomery Wards Gas Iron    Don't need a box.  This one is in a bit lesser condition.

ML-GI-MW         

Excellent ..... $25.00     SOLD!            

 

 

 

 

Strausse Gas Co. "IWANTU" Natural Gas Iron   This natural gas iron hails from a manufacturer in Philadelphia, PA.  The lengths that makers went to in order to come up with catchy names to entice consumers during this era is matched only by those of today!        Click for Pic        

BCM-91      

Good + ..... $25.00     SOLD!            

 

 

 

 

 

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