Object number
52/64
Description
A waffle iron or 'wafer irons' or 'tongs'. The inner surface have an incised pattern of flowers. Nothing is known of the origins of this iron.
This is a wrought iron waffle iron. Waffle irons were also called 'wafer irons' or 'tongs'. The inner surface of the jaws have an incised pattern of flowers, but these are now nearly worn away. Nothing is known of the origins of this iron.
Physical description
waffling iron: wrought iron; jaws made of two flat discs; one handle ends in a knob and the other in a ring which slips over the knob of the other handle, so that the jaws could be held tightly with the batter in between.
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue index' card – ‘… // DATE ACQUIRED: // GROUP: // NEGATIVE: // PERIOD: // PLACE OF ORIGIN: // NUMBER: // DESCRIPTION: '...Waffling irons were originaly used for making wafer bread for Mass and other religious ceremonies, but as early as the 15th century there is evidence that they were used for secular purposes also. Until the late 19th century they were commonly used for making wafer cakes or waffles, slightly different in type from those made now. The mixture was a thick batter and was pasted onto the inner surface of the jaws which were covered with an insised pattern. The irons were then heated over the fire and thin wafers with raised patterns were produced...'
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