The sadiron is a forged, pointed block of iron with a flat bottom and a thick handle. Used for pressing and ironing fabric, it was the precursor to the electric steam iron. The iron was heated over an open fire or other heat source.
This is a rocking style metal fluting iron with two parts. The top part, with a handle, is embossed with a horseshoe and the words "Good Luck." The rectangular base has ridges that correspond to those in the top piece. After heating the base of...
The handle and blade of this large plane have been removed. The tool has two wooden screws that fasten the fence to the plane, and an iron plate is attached to the bottom. A wooden wedge is used to secure an iron blade. The overall length of the...
This large black cast iron pot has three legs and a wire handle. The interior of the pot is rusted. The legs make this pot useful for campfire or fireplace cooking.
This Spanish horse bit is designed with two curved iron side pieces ending in loops. The pieces are joined with a semi-circular iron mouthpiece. A bit is the metal mouthpiece of a bridle that serves to control, curb, and direct an animal.
The steelyard balance has unequal arms and is used to weigh items. The item to be weighed is hung from the shorter arm, and a counterweight slides along the longer arm until the scale is balanced. The position of the counterweight on the longer arm...
Used by cobblers who made or repaired shoes, this detachable iron shoe last is mounted on a stand. The last is shaped like the sole of a shoe, and is inscribed "Warranted 17." The stand is inscribed "Warranted MED U.S.A. 2."
The cast iron grinder has a crank handle and four legs that are designed to allow the tool to be bolted to a work surface. The machine has a hinged lid enscribed with the number 11. Inside the cylindrical shaped grinder are two removable rollers...
With a rusted blackened surface, this cast iron skillet has tripod legs and a single handle. The legs make it useful for campfire or fireplace cooking.
This branding iron is a long metal rod with a curve shaped symbol attached at one end with two prongs.
Branding irons were heated until red-hot, and then pressed against the hide of livestock to leave an identifying scar or mark.
The cast iron grinder has a crank handle and four legs that are designed to allow the tool to be bolted to a work surface. The machine has a hinged lid and an interior roller that corresponds to the shape of the lid. Meat or grains could be...
This cast iron pot has three legs, making it useful for campfire or fireplace cooking. The rusted and worn pot has two small handles, and the lid has a split handle which is possibly damaged.
The number 8 cast iron kettle has a short spout and a fitted lid. A wire handle is attached at the top of the kettle, and raised ridge designs encircle the kettle and the lid.
Railroads; Railroad construction & maintenance; Cast ironwork
To join train cars together, the cast iron pin was inserted into the removable oblong link and a permanently attached coupler. Switchmen worked between railroad cars to complete the dangerous task of linking them.
The adze is an axe-like woodworking tool with a rectangular iron blade with sharpened edge set at right angles to a wooden handle. The main parts of an adze are the grip, the haft, the haft head, the blade, and the edge.
This is a Spanish Colonial iron ring bit designed in the Moorish tradition. It has a curved mouthpiece and cheekplates. Small dangles known as "ficas" adorn the sides of the bit, and lengths of chain are attached to either side. The bit is the...
This nineteenth century horse bit is designed with two curved iron side pieces ending in loops. The pieces are joined by the mouthpiece. A bit is the metal mouthpiece of a bridle that serves to control, curb, and direct an animal.
Embossed with "Brown Mule, 1 inch 2 inch, R.J.R. Tob Co. N 3019," this cast iron tobacco cutter uses a hand operated lever to raise and lower the cutting blade. Holes in the base allow the cutter to be mounted on a wooden platform or base. Most...
Similar in function to an axe, this froe has metal blade attached to a long wooden handle. One side of the blade is engraved with a star and "Iron City."
