About this piece
back to topAntique Victorian ‘Excelsior’ Toilet. A reclaimed Victorian style ‘Excelsior’ toilet with a ‘P Trap’.
There were three main types of water closets when they first began to emerge in the Victorian era.
The Pan closet: An unsanitary basin with a pan at the bottom in order to collect waste. This was a design that proved to be extremely unhygienic with its interior becoming fouled and withheld a lingering odour.
The Wash-out: The precursor of the modern closet, this design left the water in an S-strap after each flush. This design superseded all other types after names including Twyford began manufacturing them.
The Pedestal: Here, the S-bend curves up behind the pan which then supports the seat. This made cleaning a much more able activity than it had been previously with the use of wooden casing.