When you first saw it, your first thought was probably, “Yes, that’s an iron.” But have you ever wondered how these irons used coal to heat up and iron clothes? Welcome to the world of charcoal iron.

The quest for a painstakingly tidy appearance was a motivating element in developing a classic domestic device: the iron. While electric irons have already established their appeal, providing a quick and practical way to ensure wrinkle-free apparel, let’s cast our minds back and become acquainted with a lesser-known ancestor—the charcoal iron.