What is this mystery tiled-in bathroom receptor? Laura is stumped, and so am I. Do we have any experts out there who know for sure?
Laura writes:
Hi!
I’ve lived in my 1920’s apartment 20 years and have periodically researched this thing in the wall, which I assume would be a toilet paper holder, but have not been able to find one similar online.
I’d love to locate a piece that would work with it. Help appreciated! Laura
Wow, thanks! I can imagine the type of device that would go in but haven’t been able to locate anything.
Laura followed up and clarified that inside, there’s about an allowance of about 1.5” on either side.
Inside a a 1920s apartment bathroom… the way it’s tile it, it looks original to me. What could this be?
Joan massey says
I’d say Kleenex box holder.
Deanna Smith says
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTY7uzqIc7GppR_IR6CbqO4tb23RszDVoD_meEhNPdRUg3gcyTS
toilet paper holder, I’d say. :3
Eva Smith-Furgason says
Looks quite a bit like this here –
https://www.periodbath.com/pdshop/shop/item.aspx?itemid=9426
My vote would be a wall mounted tissue holder
Caitlin says
A quick internet search o toilet paper indicates that the first popular brand was Gayette’s Medicated Wipes. It was sold in sheets and was popular from the late 1800’s to the 1920’s. The roll took over thereafter.
ineffablespace says
Here is a wall mounted ceramic “interlaced” (like Kleenex or paper towels) toilet paper holder from Europe
https://picclick.it/Vintage-Reto-Jeyes-Ceramic-Toilet-Paper-Holder-1940s-202237088411.html
Tarquin says
You pegged it. It makes perfect sense that it is a tissue holder. When i first saw it, I thought it was a cubbyhole for women of the roaring 20’s to put their fox stole, gloves, and jewelry into before they went to the bathroom. However, it was too small for that, so tissue holder – IT IS! ?
Geronimom says
I know this is a complete shot in the dark, but and I can’t tell if it is next to the potty, but could it possibly be a holder for sanitary pads? I vaguely remember mom using the kind that clipped to a “belt” being similar to those dimensions and I can imagine stacking some in there.
ineffablespace says
Probably sheet toilet paper vs. roll toilet paper
Carole B. says
Looks about the right size for a paperback – reading material, perhaps?
Realdbcooper says
I think that’s the best idea and only reasonable one.
Barbara says
Not common!!
My grandmother used it for her dentures.
I have never seen another one like it until now.
Becky says
Maybe it’s for a spray can of room deodorizer.