Ancient Iron

[danemodsandy]

I had my first decent score in FOREVER today- a General Electric iron. I'm wondering if any of our iron experts (like maybe Launderess) might know a bit about it.

The model number is H1F115. It's chrome, with a black Bakelite handle and a turquoise cord. It's a steam model, with a surge-of-steam feature. It looks like it might be early-to-mid '70s (and I seem to remember surge-of-steam being introduced around that time). It's about six or seven pounds of metal and real Bakelite, nice and substantial. Oddly, there is no spray, just surge-of-steam. It looks very similar to the photo below, similar enough that mine looks like an updated version of this one. The only differences are the turquoise cord, the buttons for steam and surge, and the ironing guide label on the handle.

Four bucks, and working pretty well, though a bit "spitty" for the moment. Anyone know more about this beauty (sorry, no pics)? I'd love to know when it was made.

 

[filterflo]

The iron in the photo above is GE's first model STEAM and SPRAY iron. This model was actually from 1958. The SURGE of STEAM version made its debut in the late 60's along with GE's SELF CLEAN feature introduced just a little later. The above iron featured a drip type of steam action in a sealed chamber that became pressurized and allowed for the POWER SPRAY feature. GE and PROCTOR SILEX were the only two manufacturers to feature a pressurized power spray. They worked very well and it was an ingenious design. Hope that helps!

 

[filterflo]

Ive been collecting vintage steam irons for quite a few years.......here are a few.......

 

[filterflo]

A few more, along with just a few of my percolators.......

 

[filterflo]

Three of my favorite irons, NEW IN THE BOX, never used......Ive always been in awe of the PRESTO iron on the left, a very stunning design with enclosed body, unique steam feature and padded handle. And its a wonderful color too...........

 

[danemodsandy]

FilterFlo:

Thanks! Given that this is a vintage unit, what would your thoughts about using it be? It's working fine, but I hate to be the one who takes a vintage find and runs it into the ground. It was so great to iron a shirt with it and have the weight I remember! Makes ironing much easier.

Or am I being too concerned? I've been through so many of today's electronic wonders, all of which eventually have their electronics short out, and there goes your iron, whether it's a $10 Proctor-Silex or a $150 Rowenta. Is it possible that I could use a vintage iron without contributing to its demise? I iron a couple of loads a week- I likes me my razor creases.

 

[filterflo]

I would certainly go ahead and use it. It will last a long long time if you take care of it. What usually does them in is either they get dropped or they get clogged up from water deposits. You can ease that problem by using distilled water in them.......... I use all of my irons, Im sure they will outlast ME! They were built to use, so go ahead and enjoy they. BTW, these are not hard to find at either estate sales or thrift shops. Ebay has them on from time to time, they are just expensive to ship........ Each design is unique to itself. I love them all.........(see Mike, no Aspergers here! HA HA!!) Jimmy

 

[danemodsandy]

FilterFlo:

ZOWIE!! Wotta collection! I can see why you're so fond of that Presto- neat, neat design. Thanks for sharing!

My "new" GE looks very much like the GE next to your Presto, except that mine has a round turquoise button for the surge where yours has a rectangular light blue button for the spray. Mine also does not have the water window.

 

[danemodsandy]

Thanks, Jimmy!

You are officially my Iron Guru!

 

[filterflo]

You're Welcome! Glad you liked......here are a couple of more unique irons...........Proctor Silex and Dominion......

 

[filterflo]

This Dominion is especially neat, white handle, spray feature, water window........AND>>>>>>>>>>

 

[filterflo]

A Built In Light!!!

 

[filterflo]

water window close up..........

 

[filterflo]

Proctor Silex was another new never used iron. It looks great, but is kind of clunky to use......still love it tho......

 

[filterflo]

More Proctor Silex.......

 

[filterflo]

Since the tank is plastic, the user always knows just how much water is in the tank.......

 

[filterflo]

Spray/Steam button.........

 

[filterflo]

Since Im snapping photos, I found this not long ago. Another new in the box never used item. I had this exact opener many years ago in my parents house and they work great. GE sure made quality small appliances too........sigh, looks like those days are over! .......

 

[filterflo]

Close up, it sure is interesting, the amount of time spent to put detail into these items....... Its so sad to see designers moving away from this sort of design......The color and texture of these 50's and 60's items is amazing