McDonald’s Rotary Hat Iron: minus the golden arches and old farm

This antique McDonald's Rotary Hat Iron was patented June 7, 1892 by Alexander E. McDonald, Brooklyn, New York.

 * This iron was designed to smooth out the nap on silk stovepipe top hats * Per Ester H. Berney (reference her book below), "... the iron was a hollow instrument that was heated on a lighted gas jet. It heated in one minute. The high silk hat was held in the left hand. Using the concave side of the iron, the right hand moved it with the lay of the nap. For the crown, the flat side of the iron was used."

* Incised on the decorative end of the handle is: McDONALD PAT'D MADE IN U.S.A. JUNE 7, 1892

* PROMINENCE: This iron is pictured in Dave Iron's book: IRONS BY IRONS, page 79, plate 232L; and in Ester S. Berney's book: A COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO PRESSING IRONS and TRIVETS, page 105, plate 227A.

* The iron measures approximately 9 1/2" long 

DETAILS:

• Fascinating hat iron, presented with the original box and instruction leaflet (leaflet reproduced)
• Displays a desirable aged patina and in very good order
• Beautifully polished nickel plate presents bright tonality
• Tactile handle, turned and ebonized for a deep black contrast
• Once heated, this unique iron is useful for smoothing out the nap of silk top hats
• The handle cap states the date of the patent being granted - June 7th, 1892
• Lightly time-worn box with an illustrated box label; one end box tab is missing; the supplied instructions are an exact copy of the original, lost decades ago.

Dimensions (approx):
Box Width: 25cm (9.75'')
Box Depth: 6cm (2.25'')
Box Height: 3.5cm (1.5'')

Iron Width: 5cm (2'')
Iron Depth: 3cm (1.25'')
Iron Length: 24cm (9.5'')

The iron has some light discolorization from being heated, but other than that the iron is in very good condition and ready for a prominent place in any serious iron or hat-making tool collection.  This delightful antique McDonald's rotary hat iron is presented as a unique tool with superb period interest. Delivered quickly; ready to enjoy.