Dover Sad Iron No. 62 Value Guide

The Dover Sad Iron No. 62 is a quintessential piece of Americana from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, representing the transition to modern household convenience. Produced by the Dover Manufacturing Company, these 'sad' or solid-weight irons are highly collectible for their industrial aesthetic and historical significance in domestic labor.

What Is Dover Sad Iron No. 62 Worth?

The typical price range for Dover Sad Iron No. 62 is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Physical condition of the cast iron, specifically the presence of heavy pitting, rust, or cracks that detract from the value.
• The clarity and legibility of the 'Dover No. 62' embossed lettering on the top surface.
• Market demand for early 1900s domestic tools, with typical specimens fetching between $15 and $25.
• Completeness of the set, as these were often sold in pairs to allow one to heat while the other was in use.

How to Identify Dover Sad Iron No. 62?

• Look for the 'Dover' brand name and the specific model number '62' cast directly into the top of the iron.
• Verify the material is heavy, solid cast iron, consistent with the 'sad' iron designation meaning solid or heavy.
• Check for the characteristic late 19th-century handle design, which was often detachable or integrated depending on the specific set configuration.
• Examine the base for a smooth, flat pressing surface designed for heating on a stove or open fire.

History of Dover Sad Iron No. 62

Sad irons, also known as flatirons or smoothing irons, have been used for centuries to press clothes. Early versions were solid pieces of metal heated on a fire or stove. The term 'sad' comes from an old English word meaning 'solid' or 'heavy,' reflecting the substantial weight of these irons. The Dover Manufacturing Company was a prominent producer of various household goods, including sad irons, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These irons were essential tools before the advent of electric irons, and often came in sets to allow for continuous pressing while one iron cooled and another heated.