8423.1

Iron, firing

1940 Approximate

Material: wood, metal. Case: wooden case. Size: 3 1/4" W. x 17" L. x 2 1/2" H. Description: top hinged on one side. Firing Iron. Metal iron - six tips - empty glass bottle with glass stopper. Description: resembles a welding iron - black handle - steel rod with head attached to top.

Firing irons used 1919 to 1935 by Dr. Ralph L. West, veterinarian, for creating a counter-irritant as a treatment for arthritis and sprains in horses. The instrument was filled with ether from the bottle, and lighted. When the instrument became red hot, it was applied to the appropriate locations on the horse's leg.