Very Large Bronze 19th C Chinese Iron with Pierced Edge

 A heavy, well-used Chinese utilitarian iron that shows a classic shape. I love the well-worn patina of many years of use.   A round bronze vessel with a round handle that has a pierced upper rim and a flat base. There is a flange under the pierced rim. The rim rises to a point by the handle.  The handle has a drilled hole for attachment of a wooden handle. The base is flat and where it shows wear, you can see the gold of the bronze. The inner surface is rough and worn. The piece is very heavy and was a large size.   MEASUREMENTS  9 ½” (24.1 cm) long x 7 ½” (19.1 cm) diameter x 4 ½” (11.4 cm) tall Weighs 3 lb 7.6 oz (1580 g)   CONDITION    There is much wear and there are some crack lines on the handle. There are a few nicks on the base edge. It has a dark well used appearance.   A true antique that was used and cherished. It was a large size and probably kept a good hot heat for ironing fabric.