Goffering Iron
Date made: mid 19th century
Description: Goffering Iron, Brass end lifts with handle to allow removal of iron for heating. Used by Miss A. Caine, a dressmaker of Kirk Michael who died over 100 years ago and who lived with her brother next to the Whitehouse cottages.
A goffering or 'tally' iron (the latter a corruption of 'Italian iron' after the country from which they were introduced in the early 17th century) was used to make ruffles, frills and flounces in starched linen. The barrel was heated by inserting a red-hot bar of iron like a poker. The linen was grasped in both hands and pressed over the hot barrel making a semi-circular crimp.
Materials: Iron
Object name: Goffering Iron
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1965-0142
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