What is this?

That's what I bought it for.
$10aud

 

Was there a cloth placed between the iron and what was being ironed?

 

Not always. There is such a thing as an "ironing cloth" which was a kind of heavy duty fabric that was between the iron and delicate fabric to prevent it being scorched. I hadn't remembered it until you asked. I'll bet I have my mother's in a trunk in the attic. I have a lot of what I call "soft antiques" - antimacassars, bureau scarves, piano runners, etc.

 

Or with another one...