The little Harpel Goose iron
In July 2024 I attended the PITCA Convention in Archbold, Ohio. I was able to examine during preview, then win, this 3 3/8″ long Harpel “Swan” Iron during the pre-convention … Continue reading
N. Y. Evening Post horseshoe
Recently I purchased an interesting horseshoe-shaped casting on eBay. Although listed as “Rare Cast Iron Trivet for SATURDAY EVENING POST ” (a magazine), it actually advertised the N. Y. EVENING … Continue reading
Trivets with a spider theme
This antique spider themed trivet from the UK is a favorite among trivet collectors. Everyone wants one but they’re extremely hard to find! Most examples exchange hands privately between collectors. As … Continue reading
Sad iron stand with eagle and snake imagery
This handsome sad iron stand is a favorite of mine. Although the designer, artist and foundry are unknown, it’s most likely an American casting. The prominent sprue mark on the … Continue reading
The little ALBA charcoal iron, trivet and grate
I purchased this little “brass” charcoal iron and its companion trivet in 2021 from a US seller on eBay. Once received, all pieces reacted to a magnet proving they are … Continue reading
W. H. Howell Company sad iron stands
The W. H. Howell Company of Geneva, Illinois was a leading producer of cast iron sad irons, trivets and fluters from the mid 1800s into the early 1900s. But as the … Continue reading
The WAPAK sad iron stand
If you have a copy of Esther Berner’s book A Collector’s Guide To Pressing Irons and Trivets (1977) you might notice at least two instances where she associates the Wapak … Continue reading
The Scottish Carron “turtle” and reproductions
The Carron Company was founded in Falkirk, Scotland in 1759. It continued in operation for over 220 years, closing in 1982. A comprehensive history by Brian Watters (2005) entitled Carron … Continue reading