This heavy metal household item is an antique charcoal clothes iron.
Before electric irons became common, hot charcoal was placed inside the hollow metal body. The burning charcoal heated the flat base, allowing people to press wrinkles from clothing and linens.
The small openings around the iron provided ventilation so the charcoal could continue burning, while the wooden handle helped protect the user’s hand from the heat.
These irons required much more preparation and care than the electric appliances used today.
Answer: It is an antique charcoal clothes iron, also called a charcoal iron.
