Meeker's
Mechanical
Nature Antiques
Larry and Carole
Meeker

Purveyors of Americana
Patented & Mechanical Antiques
www.Patented-Antiques.com

LCM@Patented-Antiques.com

530-620-7019


Little Antique Charcoal and Slug Heated
Children's Box Irons

In this day and age of child-proof this and child-safe that it's hard to imagine that a century ago little kids were not just allowed, but actually encouraged to use hot pressing irons like these.  Child-size versions of antique irons showed all the same variations of heat source as did their adult-size counterparts.

Charcoal was a readily available source of fuel that heated an iron from within, and kept it hot for a good long time.  Can you imagine a child being given the awesome responsibility of ironing with a little "woodstove" in hand!  Not to mention the youngster would have to learn to master the concepts of flue / chimney / and draft.

Slug heated child's irons required a chunk of raw iron to be heated on the stove or in the fire, and then inserted into the cavity of the iron just as the full size versions did.  Imagine what little child wouldn't let curiosity get the better of common sense, and stick her little hand into the back opening to feel the slug, or accidentally open the back gate only to have the red-hot slug come flying out!



Child Size Portuguese Charcoal IronChild Size Portuguese Charcoal Iron   A typical form charcoal iron in a very unusual size!  This nicely made and well detailed iron measures just under 4" long.  The heat shield under the handle is marked with a stylized logo and the words "Compania Industrial de Fundicao Porto".  The back end is marked with the number "52" as well as "3 1/2".  And there is an H on the damper.  There is some pitting on the bottom, but overall it displays really well.

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Good   ........ $295.00     SOLD!    

PR-1301

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3 Miniature Danish Brass Box Irons3 Miniature / Child Size Danish Brass Box Irons  Three different child-size brass box irons in graduated sizes---small, smaller, and very small!  These little box irons are much smaller than those that are typically seen, measuring just 2 1/2", 2 7/8" and 3 3/8 " respectively.  All three are nicely detailed and have good age and patina. 

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Left to right:

Good   ........ $125.00          GS-MI-119

Good   ........ $125.00        GS-MI-121

Good   ........ $95.00          GS-MI-122

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Child Size Augeneisen Charcoal IronChild Size "Augeneisen" Charcoal Iron  This iron is the actual one that was photographed for Figure 304 in Politizer's Early Tuesday Morning book on child-size irons.  This is the first time it is being offered for sale in many years, having resided in a long time collection of little irons.  The workmanship is fine and the condition is outstanding.  Note the decorative detailing on the scallop edge of the top.  A choice piece!

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Very Good  ........ $395.00

GS-MI-188

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Child Size Brass Ox Tongue IronChild Size Brass Ox Tongue Iron    This little ox tongue shaped brass iron measures just 3 5/8" long and is complete with it's original tiny heating slug.

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Excellent .......... $225.00

GS-MI278

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Small English Slub Box IronSmall English Slug Box Iron   This little antique box iron is in super condition.  It is unmarked as to maker but the style and construction indicates it is English.  This style antique iron because of their small size make for a great display.

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ML-ES-1

Excellent........  $225.00

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Brass Ox Tongue IronBrass Ox-Tongue Iron    The little brass iron on the left has a wonderful patina and evidence of actual use for some specific ironing task.   It measures just over 3 inches in length.  The swing gate looks like it might have been replaced somewhere in time, but it is very well done.

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ML-MOX-1

Excellent.................$175.00

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Open Handle Miniature Ox Tongue IronOpen Handled Miniature Ox-Tongue Iron    This "toy" iron is the very iron that was photographed and pictured in the Tuesday's Children book, and it is authenticated by Judy Politizer, the author herself.  It measures just under 4" in length and has a good deal of its original nickel plating.  It's slug has long gone missing.   (TC 308[b] actual iron photographed)

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GS-SB-7

Very Good.................$95.00

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Two Little Ox Tongue Shaped Slug IronsTwo Little Ox Tongue Shaped Slug Irons    Only a very small percentage of little irons you see are of this "ox tongue" shaped variety, probably because their manufacture was a lot more complex than casting the standard one-piece spade shaped flatiron.  And in these miniature sizes they are nothing short of adorable, particularly when complete with their original tiny slugs as these two examples are.  Both of these irons are somewhat different from each other.  The one on the left is cast iron while the one on the right is brass.  Both have great patina!

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BCM-38     SOLD!     BCM-54  AVAILABLE

Very Good.................$175.00

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Early Singe Post Drop in Back Mini Sad IronEarly Single Post Drop in the Back Mini Sad Iron   This is a nicely made little iron.  At just under 5" it is much smaller than typically found in this style. It was constructed in slabed pieces and pinned together along the seams.  The tail has some nice decorative file work cuts in it.  It is complete with its heating slug.

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Good +  ........ $195.00

PR-1298

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Cast Iron Child Size Antique Ox Tongue IronCast Iron Child Size Antique Ox Tongue Slug Iron   This is a nicely made little iron.  It is a rear single post in natural iron finish.  The toe ends in a nice chisel point.  A nicely done miniature that was really used as an iron!

Good +  ........ $145.00

PR-892

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Child Size Strap handle Ox Tongue Slug IronChild Size Strap Handle Ox Tongue Slug Iron w/ Swing Gate This is a nicely made little iron that measures just under 4" long.  It looks as though the handle had a cloth or leather covering at one point.  It could use a bit of cleaning up---it will be worth the effort.  A super unusual design for a little iron---just like its full-size counterpart!

Good +  ........$285.00     SOLD!

PR-1101

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Nickel Plated Child Size Ox Tongue IronNickel Plated Child Size Ox Tongue Slug Iron   Back when these types of irons were being made and sold you could order them in different finishes or made of different materials.  Nickel plated models always cost more, and today are much harder to find. This iron is in super condition!

Good +  ........ $245.00

PR-889

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Child size Antique Slug Iron with Unusual HandleChild Size Antique Ox tongue Slug Iron w/ Unusual Handle   This one sports a cold handle design handle with a half round wooden handle.  This is a design usually reserved for much larger irons.  A very unusual specimen!

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Good +  ........ $445.00     SOLD!

PR-1277

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We can help you sell your quality Antiques in this and other categories of Antiques.

If you have similar antiques or collectibles you want to sell please see our
FAQ Page, the Appraisal / Selling Page, and the Selling Your Collection Pages for further info about selling with us.


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(1998 - 2009)
Larry & Carole Meeker