Vintage Charcoal Iron BoxA charcoal iron box is:A cast iron “box” with a flat smooth bottom used for pressing clothes.Hot charcoal (or coals) is placed inside through a hinged lid and vents keep the charcoal smoldering.The heavy iron base and heat from the charcoal help remove wrinkles and smooth fabric manually.They were common in many parts of the world before electric irons existed and are still used in some regions without reliable electricity. How It WorksOpen the hinged lid of the iron box.Place glowing charcoal inside the internal chamber.Close the lid and wait for the iron to heat.Press the hot flat base onto clothes to smooth wrinkles.Air holes/vents in the design allow the charcoal to keep smoldering.