The MRS. SUSAN R. KNOX Fluter / Fluting Iron – Victorian - Era Laundry Device 1866
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:96467 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
The MRS. SUSAN R. KNOX Fluting Iron – Victorian-era laundry device 1866
On behalf of an estate, I will be listing numerous fluting irons from a large collection. Many of these fluter irons have been either refinished, reconditioned or restored using period materials such as Japan Black lacquer and fine-art pigments. Each fluter iron has a clear, topcoat applied to protect the finish for another century.
What a neat piece of history! Up for auction is this antique fl...uting iron. Embossed on the top side of the base is the brand name, MRS. SUSAN R. KNOX and PAT. NOV 20.1866. Also embossed on the base is the maker: H. SAUERBIER & SON, NEWARK, NJ. (Henry) H. Sauerbier started making tools in Newark, New Jersey in 1848. He was also one of the premier sword makers during the Civil War. Items from his foundry were sought after and widely known to be the highest quality.
It's diminutive size and uniqueness make it a must-have for the serious collector. It is smaller than most others - has 4-inch rollers rather than the standard 6-inch models.
Nearly every example of this brand is missing their tension spring. This one has two possibly to vary stages of tension. The thinner the fabric, the more tension is required. Thicker, wintry fabric required less tension. As the hand-crank is turned, two 15-teeth brass rollers smoothly engage one another to create pronounced pleats and ruffles.
This piece is adorned with gold and red bands hugging the base, while gold-tone embellishments can also be seen on the thick and thin tension springs and support elements.
The fluted barrels are brass and includes two heating rods. The rods were heated on a stove or fireplace, then inserted into fluting barrels. Damp, pre-starched fabric was then clamped between the (heated) barrels and hand-cranked to crimp pleats on collars and cuffs or ruffles on dress hemlines. The rollers are separated by depressing the rear rocker arm, and can be locked into this position. Roller tension is adjusted by a brass knob over the top of the rollers. Care should be taken to ensure tension is released on the spring prior to depressing the lever and separating the rollers. Otherwise, it is difficult to lock the rollers in their open position.
Whether you place it on display as a remembrance of yesteryear or as a gift to a special friend, this fluter iron will surely be admired for its unique charm and condition. This is an attractive primitive household device that still works.
Fluting irons are one of the most interesting types of antique pressing irons ever invented. These vintage tools were an invention that saw their heyday in America from the 1860's through the 1880's. Some rare and unusual fluting irons were made right into the 1920's for the movie & costume industry.
Measurements: 8 inches tall and 6 1/2 inches wide and 7 inches deepBrass Fluter Rollers: 4 inches wideWeight: Comfortable packed, this fluter and its heating rods weigh 12 lbs.
Please review the detailed photographs closely as they are part of the overall description; and also, good luck bidding.
On behalf of an estate, I will be listing numerous fluting irons from a large collection. Many of these fluter irons have been either refinished, reconditioned or restored using period materials such as Japan Black lacquer and fine-art pigments. Each fluter iron has a clear, topcoat applied to protect the finish for another century.
What a neat piece of history! Up for auction is this antique fl...uting iron. Embossed on the top side of the base is the brand name, MRS. SUSAN R. KNOX and PAT. NOV 20.1866. Also embossed on the base is the maker: H. SAUERBIER & SON, NEWARK, NJ. (Henry) H. Sauerbier started making tools in Newark, New Jersey in 1848. He was also one of the premier sword makers during the Civil War. Items from his foundry were sought after and widely known to be the highest quality.
It's diminutive size and uniqueness make it a must-have for the serious collector. It is smaller than most others - has 4-inch rollers rather than the standard 6-inch models.
Nearly every example of this brand is missing their tension spring. This one has two possibly to vary stages of tension. The thinner the fabric, the more tension is required. Thicker, wintry fabric required less tension. As the hand-crank is turned, two 15-teeth brass rollers smoothly engage one another to create pronounced pleats and ruffles.
This piece is adorned with gold and red bands hugging the base, while gold-tone embellishments can also be seen on the thick and thin tension springs and support elements.
The fluted barrels are brass and includes two heating rods. The rods were heated on a stove or fireplace, then inserted into fluting barrels. Damp, pre-starched fabric was then clamped between the (heated) barrels and hand-cranked to crimp pleats on collars and cuffs or ruffles on dress hemlines. The rollers are separated by depressing the rear rocker arm, and can be locked into this position. Roller tension is adjusted by a brass knob over the top of the rollers. Care should be taken to ensure tension is released on the spring prior to depressing the lever and separating the rollers. Otherwise, it is difficult to lock the rollers in their open position.
Whether you place it on display as a remembrance of yesteryear or as a gift to a special friend, this fluter iron will surely be admired for its unique charm and condition. This is an attractive primitive household device that still works.
Fluting irons are one of the most interesting types of antique pressing irons ever invented. These vintage tools were an invention that saw their heyday in America from the 1860's through the 1880's. Some rare and unusual fluting irons were made right into the 1920's for the movie & costume industry.
Measurements: 8 inches tall and 6 1/2 inches wide and 7 inches deepBrass Fluter Rollers: 4 inches wideWeight: Comfortable packed, this fluter and its heating rods weigh 12 lbs.
Please review the detailed photographs closely as they are part of the overall description; and also, good luck bidding.
