1888 H.S. Pease Combination Charcoal Iron / Fluter - a complete set  

What a neat piece of history!  Up for auction is this antique combination charcoal iron and fluter - 'All in One.' It was made by Griswold Manufacturing under their H.S. Pease Brand. It is made entirely of Heavy Cast Iron except for the original wood handle.

Engraved on the handle’s heat shield is “PAT'D AUG 23, 1904.  The inventor, Horace S. Pease, of Cincinnati, Ohio received his first patent, August 18, 1885.  The first model had the fluter base securely fixed to the side of the iron, and could not be easily removed.  This second patent, granted three years later, August 14, 1888, was for this ‘new and improved’ cast-iron model with better heat regulation (4-position flue/vent) and a detachable fluter base.  When not needed, the fluter base, strapped to the side for use, could be stored under the iron’s rocker handle adding another layer of insulation protecting the operator’s hand from rising heat.  (See the patent drawing photo for the illustrated storage example.)  This model up for auction is the improved, second model patented August 14, 1888.

The matching Pease Trivet is extremely scarce.  It measures 6 7/8" x 4 5/8" with two 7/8" feet, a hinged front guide and 1/4" side rails. In its natural operating position, it serves as a standard trivet.  However, when it came time to add ruffles to dress hemlines, or pleats to collars and cuffs, the trivet was flipped over and the iron rested comfortably on its side to allow the user to iron pleats on their garments.  On reverse is embossed: PATENT PENDING, then later it was modified to PAT.D AUG 23 1904.  Both H. S. Pease patents can be viewed and printed at Google Patents. The iron holds Patent US 387905 A; the trivet holds US Patent US 768072 A.

Two similar straight pins hold this multifunctional iron together.  The top, larger pin secures the rocker handle to the iron.  The lower, smaller pin locks the lid and chimney unit to the iron’s fire box – ensuring the blazing coals remain inside the iron.  Removing the rocker handle enabled the user to convert the iron into a fluter unit. This auction includes TWO FLUTER HANDLES - a real convenience since the iron's handle didn't need to be removed and reattached to return from fluting to ironing.  One handle's heat shield is marked PAT D AUG 23, 1904, while the other handle is marked PAT D AUG 18, '85 and AUG 14, '88.  So all three patent dates are represented.

The iron’s rocker handle contains one half of the fluter. For fluting use, the fluter base, the second half, is conveniently strapped to the left side of the iron and heated in place.  While ironing the day’s clothes, one need only turn the iron on its side, invert the custom trivet to support the iron on its side, and easily press damp, starched garments between the handle and fluter base to add pleats and ruffles without breaking stride.  If fluting was not part of the day’s ironing task, the fluter base could be stored under the iron’s rocker handle. (See patent illustration in Photo Section).

The iron measures approximately 6 3/4" long x 4" wide x 8 1/4" to the top of the chimney.

This complete combination iron with all its components is in rare display condition with mild wear commensurate with age. No cracks or other damage are noted. It is complete with all parts shown. See the ample images to appreciate the remarkable condition. 

If you place it on display as a remembrance of yesteryear, this combination iron / fluter and trivet 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. 

Please review the detailed photographs closely as they are part of the overall description; and also, good luck bidding.