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A plumbing iron used for smoothing joints in lead pipes after molten metal was poured. Made in Littleport, Cambridgeshire, in the mid-19th C.
This is a plumbing iron, a tool used by plumbers for smoothing new joints in lead pipes after molten metal was poured to make the joints. It was made by a local blacksmith in Littleport, Cambridgeshire, in the mid-nineteenth century, and was also used at Littleport. It was used up until c.1896, when blow lamps came into use.

1 plumbing iron: metal

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'PLUMBING IRON // See Recording Form. used at Littleport, Cambs.', MERL Recording form – 'Who used it // Plumbers // When was it used // Prior to c 1896 when blow lamps came into use. // How was it used // Metal heated in pot (cast iron) over open fire outside, until molten (ie until piece of brown paper scorched when immersed). Then used to make joints in lead pipes by pouring over + smoothing with this plumber's iron. // Where was it used // Commonly - this eg. Littleport Cambs. // Who made it // Local blacksmith // When was it made // about 100 years ago // Where was it made // Littleport, Cambs. // From what materials is the object made // Cast iron.'

Littleport

1825-01-01 - 1874-12-31

Mid-nineteenth century