possibly be, the answer is much simpler than it first appears.
It’s a charcoal box iron.
Hot charcoal was placed inside the iron, where it produced the heat necessary to warm the heavy metal body.
The heated bottom was then used to press clothing and remove wrinkles.
The wooden handle allowed the user to hold and move the hot iron.
The vents helped regulate airflow.
The heavy construction helped retain heat and apply pressure.
It was a practical solution for a world before electric irons became commonplace.
And although it