From:Mokau Museum
Name/TitleKerosene iron
About this objectA launder iron that uses kerosene/parafin
Coleman A-4, ivory, with a wooden handle, 1942c
Coleman made the mistake of having a wood handle, on this model. The handle would get hot easily and possibly catch fire. You can see in the photo where the handle is blacken by the gas vapors.
Gas-pressure irons were manufactured as early as 1900, and were around through at least the 1970s, before electric-powered steam irons were a more affordable, safer alternative.
The pump was used to build up pressure in the fuel tank. Then a match was lit underneath the iron to make a flame inside the iron. Fuel irons were an improvement over earlier irons that had to be heated on the stove or heated by charcoal. Fuel irons were lighter in weight and their temperature more even, but they made ironing a potentially dangerous job. Gasoline, alcohol, carbide-acetylene, kerosene, and other fuels could cause a fire or explode.
MakerColeman
Maker RoleManufacturer
Date Made1942
Period1940+
Place MadeCanada
Medium and Materialswood and metal
Measurements16. cm H x 8. cm W x 25 cm L
Object TypeIrons
Object number1981/15
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved