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This is a tailor’s goose iron (the shape of the handle is said to look like a goose neck) dating from the late 1800’s, which was probably used to finish cloth in the mills.

The metal handle would have become extremely hot during the heating process and a thick pad, rag or glove would have been required in order to handle the iron.

The iron would have been regularly sandpapered, polished, and lightly greased to prevent rusting and a small amount of beeswax would have been used to prevent the iron from sticking to the fabric.