Vintage Brass German Sad Iron – Mid 1800’s (Very Rare). These small irons were also referred to as “lace Irons” or “Slug Irons”. They were used on small delicate. Items such as lace – ribbons, etc. This is a primitive hand-made piece that would have had a fitted cast iron piece (called a “slug”) that would have been heated on a stove or fireplace and then inserted into the Iron through the covered opening. The heating “slug” is missing. Please feel free to ask questions.