About this piece
back to topA very unusual Victorian mahogany ship/train wash basin, circa 1880.
Should voyagers have been fortunate enough to afford a first class cabin in the 19th century, they would have enjoyed the luxuries of vanity unit just like this one. Designed with functionality in mind, these innovative cabinets disguised the wash basin when not required via a convenient hinged fold-down lid, allowing the top to be used as a tabletop or writing desk. When the sink was in use, water would be poured from a jug into the basin before flowing out through the waste and into a slop bowl below, all hidden within the confines of the curved cabinet. Carefully designed down to its final detail, the cabinet was even fitted with an additional internal shelf for storage!
This example of the Victorian travel vanity unit includes a marbleised porcelain sink in excellent condition with original brass plug and drain dishes. It sits within a handsome mahogany cabinet with curved door to the front.
In its current condition without plumbing or pipework, this unusual sink will make a brilliant prop for a period film or tv production. It could also be placed in a museum as a piece of 19th century English history.
Alternatively, if made useable by adaptation for modern plumbing, this antique sink would make a unique addition to period bathroom or heritage cloakroom, transporting you into the world of a 19th century explorer!
