File:Post Medieval to Modern, Goffering Iron (or Italian or Tally Iron) (FindID 732009).jpg

English: An incomplete, copper alloy, goffering iron (also known as an Italian or tally iron) of the Post Medieval to Modern period, dating from c. AD 1700 - c. AD 1850.

The object is broadly triangular (or torpedo/bullet shaped) in plan and circular in section. At the left hand end of the object is a rectangular rim that protrudes slightly and then tapers in to form straight sides which then taper to form a rounded point at the other end. At the bottom edge, about a third of the way along the object and just below the rim there is a protruding broadly square lug that has been broken, presumably in antiquity. The lug extends on the inside of the object as well. This lug would have attached to a long stand, now missing. The object is closed at the pointed end and hollow. It is undecorated.

The object measures 70.5 mm in length and is 22.4 mm in diameter, it has a maximum width of 24.2 mm at the lug. The walls have a thickness of 3.8 mm and the object weighs 68.5 g.

The object is a dark brown in colour with an even patina. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil may have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.

This type of artefact was used by inserting a red hot poker in to the object and wrapping the material around it. It was used to keep the curves in ruffs. When complete it would have been attached to a stand and the material would have been placed around the top of the object. They were in use from the 18th century through to the middle of the 19th century when crimping machines came into more common use.

Ref:

Old and Interesting, (2014 - 2015), Ironing frills - from Elizabethan ruffs to Victorian ruffles: Fluting, goffering, Italian, crimping, poking irons, taken from <a href="http://www.oldandinteresting.com/fluting-goffering-irons.aspx">http://www.oldandinteresting.com/fluting-goffering-irons.aspx</a>, date accessed 13th July 2015 at 10:22.