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?
Laura in LaLa Land says
Wow, this is fascinating! I always figured there was a device that went in partially to hold a roll of toilet paper. My mind never conceived the notion of pre-roll TP.
Thanks, Pam for posting and all who answered for solving this riddle! They’ve been working on my apartment recently and the workmen say mine is last one to have so many vintage touches. They want to take out French windows and replace with cheap sliding aluminum, gut my glass cabinets, etc. I LOVE those things and knowing souls through decades have used them.
Thanks, everyone!?
Danita says
Please take pictures of everything, for once gone, forever gone! Would hope you’ll be able to share your photos before the ‘wrecking crew’ comes in. Thank you.
Molly says
My first thought is it’s a facial tissue holder. I’m not sure it’s original since it’s white. But I think it probably replaced the original.
I’m only surmising it’s not original because the color scheme seems to be blue and black tile.
ineffablespace says
Interlaced or C fold facial tissue was invented in 1924 and was initially for removing make up but by 1926 research revealed that more than half used it for nose blowing. But it was not a shape that seems overly compatible with this and it depends when in the 20s the building was built as to whether it would have something so specifically purpose built for something that was such a new product.
Dan says
How do you load it? Does it pop out of the wall?
Jack says
yep, looks like a tissue dispenser to me
Jessie Seay says
Pretty simple, its a tissue holder.
Emily Wilson says
I guess in the 20’s they expected you to run into the bathroom to blow your nose and/or cry!
Rebecca says
See the Sno-White 1925 catalog previously posted on May 19, 2010 – might be the folded paper holder on page 5
Coopercapers says
Must be the interleaved tissues because facial tissue was not produced until 1924.
Mark says
I was thinking maybe Kleenex box or tissue box
Allison says
Its an interleaved toilet paper dispenser; remember them from elementary school? Shiny chrome;you pulled off one sheet at a time from the bottom.
You can still buy the interleaved tissue; check out your local janitorial supply.