This is an antique cast iron sad iron (flat iron) manufactured by Salter under Silvester's patent design, dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. Maker and Patent: The markings show Salter (Geo. Salter & Co. of West Bromwich, England) and Silvester's Patent, which incorporated specific ergonomic or base improvements for smoothing fabric or leather. Called a "sad iron" because "sad" meant heavy and solid in older English, these were placed directly onto a cast-iron stove to heat up before being used for ironing. See photos for condition
