Almost new, AMC Hand Fluter / fluting iron; a 3-piece, complete
set with a secret
If condition is important to you, here's a hand fluter for you. Much of the original, nickel plating on the
roller and base plate is still intact. Almost a mirror finish on this American Machine Company (AMC) fluter. This
laundry-day device is uniquely uncommon.
This is quite different from the Geneva, Erie, Best or Star
hand-fluter models. This hand fluter includes a hefty, ornate stand with hinged back, a heated
fluter plate, and a fluted rolling pin with a ‘built-in’ transport handle or
lifting tool. This is believed to be one
of the stoutest of all the hand fluters with rolling pins.
The base of this AMC rare model measures approximately 6 1/2"
wide x 3 3/4" deep. With the rolling pin in place on top of the base, the
piece is about 3" tall. The cast-iron ROLLING PIN also measures abpit 3 3/4".
This set has a removable cast-iron HEATING PLATE resting on an ornate
and reinforced STAND. The stand is embossed, “AMERICAN MACHINE COMPANY PHILADELPHIA, PA ”
In 1892, the North Brothers Manufacturing Company, also from Philladelpia, bought out the American Machine Company. In 1893, the North Brothers Manufacturing Company bought out the Shepard Hardware Company of Buffalo, New York. So this fluter must have been manufactured before the North Brothers acquisition in 1892. Later, similar or near identical models were produced by North Brothers.
The fluter handle doubles as a LIFTING TOOL
used to transport the flat iron slug to-and-from a heat source – to the fluter base
plate. Consequently, the incorporated
lifting tool is specially design to safely and securely transport the flat iron
slug.
SECRET: It was distinguishable from other hand fluters
of the day, by its unique fluter plate. While
in use, the plate’s design made it impossible for the roller fluter to be
pushed or pulled off the plate. Built-in stops on each end forced the rolling
pin to halt. Garments could them be repositioned, and the fluting continue.
Unlike similar, yet smaller models, this hand
fluter has a reinforced, raised base indicating it was designed to be durable
to withstand repeated and frequent use. Other models without an elaborate stand,
merely sat on countertops or ironing boards which could cause surface scorching.
The hand fluter is a specialized kind of
"sad iron.” Made from cast iron,
the fluter plate would have been heated by coals or wood in a fireplace, or on
a stovetop. The collar, cuff or hemline to be ironed would have been moistened
with starch and laid over the heated grooved fluter base plate. Then the fluted
rolling pin would have been bowled over the cloth and the linen would be
pressed with rows of narrow ruffles or pleats. This process would be repeated
across the length of the fabric. Eventually,
the fluter would become cool and the heating plate would need to be re-heated’
on a stove or fireplace.
If you have questions,
don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you for viewing and
good luck bidding.