Is it a tub? Is it a shower base? YES. I went to an estate sale last Thursday. A lovely, rambling mid century colonial-ranch… all picket-fence Americana-like… quite sweet. The two bathrooms upstairs were pastel delights — but the real prize was a small bathtub / shower receptor. I have seen these small tubs in old marketing materials, for example, in this 1949 Crane bathroom fixture catalog. In my experience, they are harder to spot in the wild.
Alice’s little bathtub — which I originally called a “Cinderella bathtub” — she called it her “little lady’s tub — looks to fit in the category of receptor tub as well. Hey, read on — Alice’s looks like a Neuvogue to me!
Why such a small bathtub? This seems to me to be a terrific idea if you don’t have much space… if adults prefer to shower… but there still needs to be a bathtub for a child.
The Crane brochure explains:
Requiring minimum space for installation, the Lahoma bath provides facilities for feet, sponge or shower bathing.
The Lahoma tub in the brochure measured 42″ wide by 31″ to the wall and was 12″ deep. It even had a little seat. A “mini Cinderella” bathtub!
Above: A second bathtub in the 1949 Crane catalog was also billed as a receptor tub. The Neuvogue‘s proportions — 48″ across, 41″ to the wall — were more “Cinderella bathtub”-like. It is billed as having enough space for real bathing (for an adult, presumably).
At the time I originally published this story in 2013, the Kohler Mayflower was still for sale — it had the receptor look, its measurements were 48″ x 44″. It is now discontinued:
As I recall, Eljer (I *think*) still offered a receptor bathtub until the early(ish) 2000s. But then it disappeared.
This story gets filed under Bathrooms/Tubs, Bathrooms/Shower Bases and Woddities, all three!
UPDATE: Read this story — Understanding potential lead hazards in old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any age — which raises awareness regarding the potential for lead dust exposure from old tubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any age. Get with your own properly licensed professional to assess your own situation regarding this and other potential hazards in old homes and materials. Be Safe / Renovate Safe.
Jim Grolemund says
In 1974 Crane was still making a 4 foot tub in white enamel on stamped steel only. It was perfect for my bath project at that time.
I did a quick search and found ones available here:
http://www.wayfair.com/Bootz-Honolulu-46.5-x-27-Bathtub-011-237-00-BTZ1002.html
pam kueber says
yes… but these are still not “receptor tubs” — they are too narrow, they are just short bathtubs…
Lori says
I just bought a house and there are THREE of these tubs! I may keep one, but definitely not all three. I was just thinking to trash them but after reading your blog I realize that someone out there might be looking for it. Do you think Craigslist is the best bet?
pam kueber says
yup, craigslist.
Jeff says
I salvaged a small tub from a 1924 house we were demolishing. It is a white, cast iron tub, built in application, with a left drain. I saved it because I had never seen one before. It is a Kohler 305-42×36-1S, I was calling it a half size tub or mini tub but it would make sense if it is actually shower receptor/tub combination. Contact me if you are looking for something like this and I can send or post pictures. I have the original drainage piping also if that is desirable.
pam kueber says
Jeff, no buying/selling here on the blog or else it gets too chaotic. Recommendation: Put it on craigslist.
Donna Petralia says
Jeff, first of all, thank you for rescuing the tub. I wish more contractors would follow your lead. Did you list the tub on Craigslist? I am searching for one just like that in Ca.
Patti says
Kohler has a 54″ tub that might work. I prefer the smaller size but this might be a solution. What do you think?
Kohler K-746
Seaforth 54″ Enameled Cast Iron Soaking Bathtub for Alcove Installations with Right Drain
Seaforth Collection
Length: 54
Width: 30.25
Height: 14
Material: Cast Iron
Installation Type: Three Wall Alcove
Becky says
My dad has one! His dad built the house in the early 50’s! I want one but no luck finding!
Patti says
This is EXACTLY what I need for a small bathroom. If you find a source could you email?
Thanks
teri says
OK now I am confused, not sure what the difference is between a shower receptor and a small bath tub. Please help explain this so I do not go out and spend $ on something that would not work. I di know that these small tubs are not just like the ones from the 40’s but seem to be good choice since it is darn near imposible to find the old ones.
shannon says
One of the bathrooms in my parents house has a tub like this. For years my step mom talked about tearing it because of “design/decorative issues”. I’m so glad I found yall, now if I can only convince her to go with the barbie theme I’ve been pushing for since 1990.
pam kueber says
YAY! These are very desirable tubs among Retro Renovators! We would consider you very lucky!!!!
Kathy K says
The tub pictured above is a Kohler Standish bath. I found it on the Kohler website labeled “discontinued.” I’ve been hoping to find a matching toilet for the green one in my second bathroom. Now I know what to look for. I think my green is called Fresh Green.
patty says
I have a pink bathroom and would love to buy a tub like this,its just the right size,where can I find one in pink