Soldering Iron

Date1750-1820

MediumIron / steel

DimensionsOL: 15 1/2" Maximum diameter: 1 7/8"

Credit LineGift of Judith and William McMillen

Object number2012-37

DescriptionSoldering iron. Large, with hooked handle.Label TextForged from two pieces of wrought iron, this large soldering tool is of heavy construction with a hooked handle terminal and a football shaped head. With such a large head, this iron would have retained a large amount of heat for a considerable time, and would have been useful for large scale jobs.

Soldering is the process of sealing a seam with a molten metal that liquefies at a lower temperature, like lead or pewter. Soldering the joints of a tin vessel meant to hold liquid is a must for it to be waterproof.