Rare Hand Iron for Silk Hats, Patented 6/7/1892 Gold Filled Elaborate Handle, Patent work Included Start Price USD 25.00 Current Price USD 25.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, November 16, 2008 End Time Sunday, November 23, 2008 Location West coast of Florida See more about 'Rare Hand Iron for Silk Hats, Patented 6/7/1892 ' Description A rare find! This implement for Ironing Silk Hats was invented and patented in 1892 by Alexander E. McDonald. It has an elaborate gold filled handle unlike the one shown in the patent drawings. According to the person from whom I purchased the iron, it was a presentation gift to someone of importance. Unfortunately, I have no provenance showing the ownership of the iron. I do, however, have a copy of the paperwork for the patent (2 pages) that include a description of how the device works. The drawing is pictured in the listing information. (see listing photos.) The patent date is engraved on the gold handle, June 7, 1892. The description summary is: " A hand implement for burnishing or ironing silk hats comprising a handle and a head mounted rotatively on said handle, said head being provided with means for heating it over a gas-jet and having a smooth concave ironing face, which extends the entire length of said head, the handle having its longitudinal axis substantially parallel with the ironing face of the head." So, if you have a silk hat that needs some sprucing up, this is just the tool! FREE SHIPPING in USA! Place a Bid!