3 1 c m
40cm
actual image size: 32cm x 23cm
Cannon charcoal heated flat-iron and bellows, c 1850.
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library
Description
Some irons were heated by small charcoal fires burning inside them. The bellows pumped air inside to keep the charcoal burning for longer, but the temperature was difficult to control.
Image Ref.
10186632