"Silver Streak" Iron
Decorative Arts and Design
On View: Decorative Art, 4th Floor
Although Pyrex glass, able to resist high levels of heat, had been invented as long ago as 1915, the Silver Streak iron put it to a new use. Metal shortages during World War II led to experiments not only with new materials, but also with new uses of old materials. Pyrex seemed the perfect replacement for metal in a household iron. Moreover, moldable glass allowed the handle of the Silver Streak to conform to the user’s hand, illustrating again the interest in ergonomics—the study of the way things work with the body—among designers of this time. Unfortunately, although Pyrex stood up well to heat, the bright colors inside did not, and the Silver Streak was not produced for very long.
MEDIUM
Pyrex glass, metal, cloth and plastic
DATES
ca. 1946
DIMENSIONS
5 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 3 7/8 in. (14.0 x 23.5 x 9.9 cm)
(show scale)
MARKINGS
(1) Impressed on top side of metal heel: [in script] "Silver Streak"
(2) Impressed on bottom side of metal heel: "SAUNDERS SINCE 1858 / MODEL 1038 / 1000 WATTS / 110-120 VOLTS A.C. ONLY"
(3) Molded in Pyrex below handle: "PYREX"
ACCESSION NUMBER
1992.167
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Donald F. Wilkes
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
"Silver Streak" electric iron; glass and metal. Molded Pyrex body, red cased with colorless glass. Colorless glass handle joined at both ends. Circular metal and plastic dial with fabric selection mounted on torso under handle. Black and white cloth covered cord and black plastic plug.
CONDITION: Excellent; cord and plug intact. Light scratches on metal base and underside.
CAPTION
Saunders Corporation (ca. 1858–1946). "Silver Streak" Iron, ca. 1946. Pyrex glass, metal, cloth and plastic, 5 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 3 7/8 in. (14.0 x 23.5 x 9.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Donald F. Wilkes, 1992.167. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.1992.167.jpg)
IMAGE
overall,
CUR.1992.167.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2010
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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What's this?
This is the "Silver Streak" Iron designed by the Saunders Corporation around 1946.
It's made of Pyrex glass, metal, cloth, and plastic. Pyrex was invented in 1915, but metal shortages during the 2nd World War led designers to find new uses for the material.
Oh! So cool.
Indeed! If you take a closer look, you'll see that the handle is molded like a hand, illustrating a newfound interest in ergonomics.
Unfortunately, although the Pyrex stood up well to heat, the bright colors inside did not, and the "Silver Streak" was not produced for very long.
