Sad Iron, U. S. Patent 113,448, April 4, 1871, Mary Florence Potts, Ottumwa, Iowa

The invention is a detachable handle for pressing irons. This permits a person to heat a number of iron bodies on a stove, attach the handle to one and iron with it until it cools, then attaching it to another heated iron body.

The model is 8" x 5" x 6" and has a metal body with a smooth bottom, a gold colored metal latch, and wood handle. The body is filled with a white non-conducting material, perhaps Plaster of Paris. The name "Mary Florence Potts" is engraved in script. This model is in very good condition.

This is the famous "Mrs. Potts' Sad Iron" that was widely manufactured and licensed in the United States and Europe. Her picture was featured in advertising. Her iron was exhibited in the Centennial Exhibition at the Smithsonian and also in the 1976 Bicentennial Exhibition. Mrs. Potts' iron is well known by antique dealers and collectors.