Vintage brass Dutch coal iron with a floral ceramic handle

Coal irons, also known as charcoal irons, were a common household item used for pressing clothes before the advent of electric irons. These irons were heated by placing hot coals or a heated metal block inside them, allowing them to retain heat for extended periods. They were particularly popular in regions where electricity was not readily available or reliable. This particular iron appears to be a decorative piece, possibly a souvenir or a smaller version of a functional iron, given its ornate ceramic handle and the cut-out designs. Such items were often made in Europe, particularly in countries like the Netherlands, and were sometimes embellished with decorative elements to appeal to collectors or as household decor.