Antique Charcoal Iron with Red Wooden Handle and Squirrel Ornament

This is an antique charcoal iron, characterized by its solid construction and distinctive features. The primary material appears to be brass or bronze due to its greenish-brown patina, suggesting significant age and exposure. The body of the iron is rectangular with a rounded front edge and a flat bottom, typical of early pressing tools. It features a hinged top cover, allowing for access to the charcoal burning chamber, which is indicated by the scalloped or wavy edge along the joint between the base and the lid. The sides of the iron are perforated with multiple small, circular holes, likely serving as vents for combustion. A prominent feature is the arched metal handle support, cast in the same brass/bronze material, which shows visible signs of verdigris and oxidation, particularly in recessed areas. Perched atop the lid, integrated into the casting, is a small, detailed ornament resembling a squirrel, adding a unique decorative element not commonly found on utilitarian irons. The actual handle itself is made of a turned, polished red wood, possibly stained or painted, which contrasts sharply with the metallic body. The wooden handle shows some wear, but the red finish appears largely intact. The overall condition indicates significant age and use, with a rich, developed patina across the metal surfaces. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures from the provided images, but the style, material, and presence of a charcoal chamber suggest a late 19th to early 20th-century manufacture. The craftsmanship, particularly the detailed squirrel ornament and the sturdy construction, points to a period when such everyday objects often incorporated decorative elements.