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Irons like this, a variant of the box iron which used solid iron 'slugs' instead of charcoal, were once common in farmhouse kitchens. A little charcoal was ignited in the fire and transferred to the iron. The iron was then placed in a draught to kindle the heat, and more charcoal added as it was needed. The small hole at the back with the sliding cover enables the heat to be regulated, and the funnel on top disperses fumes. Nothing is known of the origins of this charcoal iron.

1 charcoal iron: metal (cast iron); wood; fair condition- burn hole in bottom, broken aperture cover

Wood, Metal, iron