'Mrs Potts' Cold Handle Sad Irons' and trivet by Enterprise Manufacturing Co
Object No. K363
In 1871 Mary Florence Potts patented an improvement to the flat iron (sad iron) which became very hot to handle when heated by the fire requiring the user to wear a mit or suffer from burnt palms. The Mrs Potts iron was pointed at both ends and featured a detachable insulated handle. This meant that many iron bodies could be heating on the stove at once. Sales of the Mrs Potts irons were handled by the Enterprise Manufacturinc Co. of Philadephia and were marketed as 'Cold Handle Sad Irons'. Sets came in both nickel plate and polished whilest a girl's set was also manufactured. Gross, Linda P. & Theresa Snyder, 'Philadelphia's 1876 Centennial Exhibition', Arcadia Publishing, 2005, p.112.
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Summary
Object Statement
Irons (4) with trivet, 'Mrs Potts' Cold Handle Sad Irons', metal / cast iron / timber, by Enterprise Manufacturing Co, American and Dauphin Street, Philadelphia, Pensylvannia, United States of America, 1880-1910
Physical Description
Set of three polished cast-iron bases and one wooden spring loaded handle. One nickel-plated cast iron base with handle (could be for a child to use).
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1980
Acquisition Date
1 January 1980
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