You searched for: old english necklace! Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind products and gifts related to your search. No matter what you’re looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Let’s get started! Jun 05, 2015 A sad iron is a smoothing iron with a solid, flat base which could be heated by placing it directly on a a stove, the term 'sad' being Old English for 'solid.' They were developed in the later Middle ages, and rags were used around the handle to avoid burns.