Trade Card for Mrs. Potts' Cold Handle Sad Iron, Enterprise Manufacturing Co., 1876-1880

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Artifact Overview

In the 1870s, Mary Florence Potts made ironing easier. Conventional single-piece, cast iron flatirons were heated on stoves -- and the handle got hot! Mrs. Potts invented and patented a detachable wood handle that stayed cool and could be switched between her irons. The irons also featured two pointed ends that allowed users to work in either direction. Mrs. Potts' irons remained popular into the 20th century.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Trade card

Date Made

1876-1880

Subject Date

1876-1880

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.0.541.658

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 3.25 in
Width: 5.25 in