This month's mystery item stumped everyone, mainly because of the many companies operating under some variation of the name "Boston Electric Heating, Co.," which made it difficult to research. After a little digging, we learned from a 1924 issue of Iron Age that the Boston Electric Heating Co. had formed "to operate a local plant for the manufacture of electric appliances for shoe factories." The company was founded in Whitman, Massachusetts.

Once we knew the industry, the research aspect improved - but not by much. Our saving grace was discovering that Ward & Kennedy Co. absorbed Boston Electric Heating Co in 1984.

We contacted Ward & Kennedy and learned we had "an old-style treeing iron." The rep said it was used to adhere linings to and smooth the seams of shoe interiors. This one was discontinued in 1964, with the newer model having a flat handle and oval iron.

If you think about it, it makes sense. The perpendicular handle and protruding almond-shaped iron make it ideal for fitting inside a shoe and reaching hard-to-reach places.

We had several close guesses this month, including a sad iron and a leather molder (which just wasn't specific enough). Interestingly, the first guess we received was awfully close. The guess was that it was "used to shrink aircraft covering between support frames." What's interesting is the pic that came with the guess. It looks strikingly similar to what we believe a modern-day treeing iron might look like. To see it, click here.

We were never able to locate a picture of an older-style iron like this one online. However, after much research, we believe there were a variety of treeing irons, used for different purposes. Some publications indicate they were used to smooth the exterior surface of the shoe. What's more, we found at least one 1915 advertisement showing a clearly "advanced" (i.e., flat-handled) treeing iron. Nevertheless, we're sticking with the information we received from the manufacturer. Thanks to everyone for playing. We'll see you again next month!