The aim of Sanitary Science is to prevent disease, preserve health and prolong life - to maintain the whole people in the highest efficiency for the labours of peace or the struggles of war. William Augustus Guy, 1870

{HISTORY}

Dating to the 1890s, this pail-like antique slop jar was once part of a traditional chamber set intended to aid in the grooming needs of Victorian households. Accompanied by a cold water pitcher, a washstand basin, a chamber pot, a soap dish, a shaving mug, and a hot water pitcher this combinet (also known less prettily as a slop jar) was used to discard the leftover greywater from face washing, tooth brushing, shaving, and other toiletry activities.   The wire handle and the matching lid made it both discreet and easy to carry so that the contents could be transported out of the house and easily disposed of. 

Made by Mellor & Co in Trenton, NJ this jar features a lovely embossed design on both the lid and base. With a weight of 8lbs, a thick, heavy-gauge wire handle,  and a height of 11" inches, this is a sturdy, well-made example of 19th-century domestic sanitation life. During this time in pottery history, Trenton NJ was known for its manufacture of high-quality sanitary wares with local potteries producing all sorts of accessories for the early bathroom routines of American homes. It was this area of the country that laid the groundwork for our modern-day sinks, bathtubs, washstands, and commodes.

Nowadays, these pretty jars have lots of interesting uses apart from their original intended functions.  From storage possibilities to plant holders, their accommodating size, working handle, and removable lid offer many design and decor opportunities.  One of our favorite ways to repurpose them in the Vintage Kitchen is for use as indoor food waste bins while cooking. Pretty enough to store on your kitchen counter, it's an accommodating vessel for daily food scraps intended for the compost bin. As you cook your way through the day, throw your eggshells, coffee grounds, peels, cores, cuttings, etc into the jar, cover it with the lid and then head out to the garden and empty it into your compost bin. Easy to clean with soap and water, it's a more stylish way to store your compost-ready materials and more environmentally friendly than a plastic bin. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- 2 piece set include lid and base

- Embossed designs

- Stamped on bottom with maker's mark

{CONDITION}

In gorgeous antique condition. There are two hairline cracks measuring 2.5" inches in length on opposite sides of each other at the rim. There is a small chip on the handle section where the wire is attached to the base (this does not affect use of the wire handle in any way) and there few chippy spots on the bottom of the base as expected with age and daily use. The wire handle is securely attached and the lid contains no chips or cracks. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 11" inches (height (including lid) x 9" inches (diameter) and weighs 8lbs.