Antique & Vintage
Oval Cap Irons

Although some small antique pressing irons were specifically aimed to be marketed to young girls, many little irons of this style were more meant for adults needing a little iron when a full-size counterpart just would not do for the specific task at hand.  Cap irons are a prime example of this.  These beautifully shaped oval irons were considered an absolute necessity for proper ironing of certain types and styles of caps and hats.  Some were wide ovals and some were more streamlined, but typically they had flat horizontal handles that allowed the ironer to apply the downward pressure on the little iron that was required to do the job well. 

Round back and double pointed little pressing irons are examples of some inventor's "better idea" of how to eliminate the "divots" in fabrics that were sometimes accidentally caused by the back points of the base in spade shaped irons when pressing too hard on the back end of the handle.  The round back shape was thought to glide better over the fabric without leaving any unwanted indents.  The forms of these antique irons are wonderfully graceful, and in these little size irons they are absolutely exquisite.

These little antique irons are some of the most sought after of all, and found very infrequently except in long-time collections like these that we have the pleasure of helping disperse.

 

 

Post & Beam Handle Wintenberger Small Oval Cap Iron   This is one of several versions of small oval cap irons made by the renown French foundry, this example with a stately post and beam style handle.  This iron has great provenance---it was purchased by the current collector out of the Frank and Judy Politizer collection!  A choice piece!

Good +  ........ $95.00       

GS-MI-142

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Three Little French Cap Irons---6 Point Star and Gendarme     I guess the idea behind this type of iron was that the rounded shape did a better job of ironing a round cap than would an iron with sharp points at either end.  Whether it did or not I’m not sure---I haven’t tried ironing any of Larry’s baseball caps lately.  The two irons at either end are matching, with a little raised 6-pointed star cast into the center of the base.  The iron in the middle has the wreath shaped logo that was the mark of the noted French Gendarme foundry.   

Click for Pic  

BCM-250-2

Left ...... Good.................$50.00

Middle ..... Good.................$50.00    SOLD!

Right ....... Good.................$50.00     

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"Carron" Oval or Egg Shaped Scottish Cap Iron    It was originally thought that Carron was a French company but further research has determined it to be a Scottish foundry begun in 1791.  The casting on this 3 3/4 inch cap iron is a little rough, but the form makes up for whatever is lacking in smoothness.  (TC 190[b])       

Click for Pic       

Very Good.................$35.00    

GS-OC-1

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2 Different French Antique Cap Irons    Take a look at the little differences between these two antique cap irons.  The iron on the left with the open rolled strap handle has a mark that is hard to make out but it indicates the French Herbulot foundry.  (TC 187[a])  The iron on the right is unmarked as to maker but has a nicely formed half-rod handle.  It measures 3.5 inches which is just a fraction smaller than the first iron here.         

Click for Pic     Click for Pic      

Very Good.................$40.00 each     Right one is SOLD!   

GS-OC-5      GS-OC-6

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2 Different French Antique Cap Irons---Decorative Edge and Cast Handle    One has a decorated edge and is inscribed "N M 4".  The other is simpler and has a very nice cast handle.         

Click for Pic    

Very Good.................$55.00 each   

ML-OC      ML-OC

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French DC Oval Cap Iron   This is a very nice looking classic oval cap iron.  The top is marked DC, the foundry mark.  Note the decorative edge detail.  A nice companion piece to the teardrop shaped iron above by the same maker.  

Good +  ........ $55.00       

PR-1046

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French FB Oval Shaped Cap Iron   This is a very nice looking  teardrop shape cap iron.  The top is marked FB in a very stylized font.   A very nice iron in very nice condition, and a great companion piece to the teardrop shaped iron by the same foundry pictured above. 

Good +  ........ $65.00       

PR-1056

 

 

 

French Wintenberger Oval Cap Iron   The top of this good looking very rounded cap iron has the French logo for the Wintenberger foundry.  A very nice looking iron with what looks to be original red finish. 

Good +  ........ $85.00       

PR-894

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We want to help you sell your quality Antiques in this Category. 

If you have a collection of similar antiques and want further info please see our FAQ page, the Appraisal / Selling Page and the Selling Your Collection Pages for further info.

 

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(1998 - 2009)
Larry & Carole Meeker