posted on August 18, 2003 07:11:06 PM
A friend gave me this old chamberpot. Can anyone tell me anything about it? I'm including a photo of the mark on the bottom. Does the word "China" mean it is made OF China or made IN China? Any information is appreciated. Thanks in advance...
[ edited by blueyes29 on Aug 18, 2003 07:12 PM ]
posted on August 18, 2003 07:25:07 PM
Hello Blueyes - It was made by Wheeling Pottery in Wheeling, W.Va and the mark on the bottom dates it to 1888-1893. It is made of China ... not IN China. In fact, it is made of semi-porcelain. Wheeling Pottery went out of business in 1910.
Sorry to tell you it's not worth too much, despite its age. There's a very limited collector's market for chamber pots, as you can imagine. If it's in perfect condition and has no odor, it might fetch $30 on eBay but more likely it would get $10.
posted on August 18, 2003 07:39:33 PM
Thanks, Maggie, for the terrific info! For obvious reasons, I didn't want to pose my question in the usual format...ie: "Does anyone recognize this chamberpot?" I would think this type item would be pretty "collectible" but maybe we're not in a "chamberpot" cycle right now...Appreciate your expertise and time...
posted on August 18, 2003 09:23:46 PM
Blue - if you decide to list it, please let me know. I am putting together a semi joking basket of gifts for my mother this year relating back to her birth which just so happened to have been in Wheeling WV. A CP would make a fun addition.... maybe it could serve as the "basket".
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really Common Sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on August 18, 2003 11:48:06 PM
If you decide to list it, make sure you specify in the description that you have tested it and that it is in excellent working condition.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on August 19, 2003 02:40:24 AM
My mother filled one with plastic flowers and set it in the kitchen fireplace. talk about a conversation starter.
posted on August 19, 2003 06:37:50 AM
if it is made no later than 1910,how can it look so new.look at the gold edge??
-sig file -------They may have ginsu knife,but we have DING KING!!!!
posted on August 19, 2003 07:28:31 AM
The gold trim is fired over the glaze, and can wear quite easily, mostly on areas that get handled or scrubbed. Areas that don't get abuse will hold up quite well. Notice how worn it is on the handle, yet not on the bottom rim.
Unfortunately, there is quite an "ick" factor to these things. Maybe a cute accessory in a country bedroom or a powder room, but not in living room, dining room or kitchen, please!
[ edited by Damariscotta on Aug 19, 2003 11:05 AM ]
posted on August 19, 2003 09:32:25 AM
i still have problem accepting the fact that it is made no later than 1910.
look at the design,look at the condition,look at the gold trim,look at the words on the bottom.
-sig file -------They may have ginsu knife,but we have DING KING!!!!
posted on August 19, 2003 11:04:07 AM
With many antiques, looks can be deceiving, but the general design is that of a late-Victorian, low quality "fancy" chinaware. Not much handwork; the pot is molded, color glaze probably airbrushed on, and gold sponged. Intricate hand-painting, or even decal treatment would have indicated a more expensive item.
While some of these toilet-sets were of amazing quality, the growing acceptance of indoor plumbing meant that the market for these after the 1900 time frame would have generally been more and more for rural or lower-income people, therefore a cheaper ware. Exceptions, of course. The manufacture for these pretty much dies out by 1930. There seems to be a later extinction in England, and there are some nice quality art-deco style sets from there (possibly because it was cheaper to have servants tote them in and out than to install running water).
Doubt you would find many (if any) made post WWII.
posted on August 19, 2003 01:28:56 PM
Thanks, everyone...REALLY do appreciate the information and discussion...helps a lot! I'll be listing this on Thursday 28 Aug so hope it sells! I just put some water in it for a "test run" (no pun intended)...and so far, it seems to be functional... One more thing...any suggestions as to what category to list in?
[ edited by blueyes29 on Aug 19, 2003 01:30 PM ]
