Greetings and Happy Tuesday! I haven’t posted for a few days. (in case you missed me!) Yesterday I was having technical difficulties but happily they are resolved! (Thank you, Josh!) So, I’m excited to share with you my new treasure. A chamber potty set!
I am totally in love with this chamber potty set my sweet Mother-in-law gave to my husband and me recently. Why would I be so in love with an antique potty? Well, feast your eyes on this beauty and you’ll know why! Can you believe it was ever used for such a purpose?
Back in the day before indoor plumbing, people used a chamber pot to do their ‘business’ so they didn’t have to go outdoors to an outhouse. Mostly the chamber pots were stored underneath a bed and then emptied the following day. I mean who would want to go outside in the dark of night or in the rain or snow if it could be helped? I suppose this one was used as a potty at some point. It is a chamber pot. But, to put it delicately, there is no evidence to support the theory. The piece is practically perfect in every way. Except for the lid, which is cracked, but still intact. Here is another piece to the set. Perhaps a larger chamber pot? I’m not sure but it is gorgeous.
This piece is also in perfect condition.
The chamber potty set includes a wash basin and pitcher. These are more typical of pieces you tend to find at antique stores. But to have an entire matching set is amazing! My Mother-in-law’s mother was an antique collector extraordinaire and obviously had quite an eye. Sadly, I never knew her, but my Mother-in-law is convinced the two of us would have gotten along beautifully. I tend to agree! Wouldn’t we have made the best shopping companions?
The basin and picture are in pristine condition…
And check out the beautiful gold leaf details! Clearly not your run of the mill chamber potty set.
The set also includes three smaller pieces. I’m guessing the one on the left is a shaving cup, the center is a soap dish and the vase on the right maybe for shaving supplies or toothbrushes? They too have the delicate gold trim and the beautiful flowers.
Here is the entire set. Lovely, right? And because I love anything pink, floral and antique this set is a total dream come true! Have you ever seen such a complete ensemble? I haven’t and I’ve shopped around plenty. Eight pieces!
My Mother-in-law always displayed the set in her powder room. She had a shelf built above the window and had several pieces there and some on the counter top beside the sink. She and my Father-in-law recently downsized and gave the set to us. We will treasure it always!
I can just picture all of these pieces in our future powder room, too. As a matter of fact, this set will be the inspiration behind the entire room! And, as you know, gold is IN! Hmmm, gold accents and a gold chandelier? Definitely.
Here’s a close up of the flowers. So pretty! I’m so pleased we have this beautiful set to enjoy and one day pass down to our boys. It will always stay in the family. I promised.
The wording on the bottom of each piece is stamped with BONITA V.P. CO. And the smaller pieces say 840 ½. So, I looked up the wording to figure out the history behind the set. It seems as though the set is from the Victorian Era. It always amazes me how something so fragile and delicate can last so many years. I know it happens when someone appreciates the beauty and history of a piece and takes extra care to preserve it. And my Mother-in-law did just that!
This set has been lovingly pampered all of these years. Rest assured, it will be in good hands from here on out as well. Could I love a Chamber Potty Set more? No.
Like I said, totally in love! 
I love all of the fine details of the chamber potty set. It just goes to show that even when something has a not so glamorous purpose, it can still be functional as well as beautiful. So, the thought of the day, is a quote from Elsie de Wolfe. “I’m going to make everything around me beautiful~that will be my life”. What a lovely goal!
I hope you have a wonderful day! Thank you for stopping by beautiful friends! xoxo Dell
