CONGRATULATIONS go to Cross Hills reader Ronald Crossley who correctly identified last week's Craven Curiosity as a goffering iron.

Mr Crossley tells us: "It is also called a tally or Italian iron. It was used for ironing fine lace, such as on cuffs and collars, by curling it around the hollow metal tube.

"The tube was heated by inserting the accompanying poker-like metal rod, freshly taken from a hot stove or open fire."

And the experts at Craven Museum and Gallery add: "In the Victorian era, ruffles on sleeves and around collars were very fashionable and it was important for ladies to wear them perfectly goffered.

"Goffering irons were introduced in the mid 1800s. They were usually made by a blacksmith and worked similarly to modern hair curling tongs. They consisted of an iron stand with a horizontal hollow tube where a red hot iron rod was introduced.

"In order to iron a garment, the temperature of the tool had to be tested before it was used to prevent the fabric from burning. Once ready, servants would hold with both hands a previously moistened and starched cloth and press it over the tube. Thus, the combination of heat, moist and pressure would allow the fabric to be shaped as desired.

"Victorian collars and cuffs were detachable, which made the washing and goffering process much easier."

Guesses about this week's mystery item should be emailed to news@cravenherald.co.uk

All items featured in this column are on display at Craven Museum and Gallery, which is located in Skipton Town Hall.