Metal Chamber Pot Appraisal

Vintage Enameled Metal Chamber Pot with Faceted Sides and Red Rim

This item is an antique or vintage enameled metal vessel, cylindrical in overall form with a distinct faceted body, appearing to have multiple flat panels, possibly octagonal in cross-section. Its dimensions suggest it's sized for a domestic utility purpose. The primary color is a faded off-white or cream enamel, with a contrasting and noticeable red enamel band accentuating the rim. It is equipped with a wire bale handle for portability, which features a wooden grip, likely for comfort and heat insulation if used for warm liquids. The bottom of the vessel is rounded. The faceted sides are a distinguishing characteristic, setting it apart from simple cylindrical pails. The bold red rim is also a classic design element found on many antique enamelware pieces. The construction indicates a durable, yet lightweight, utilitarian piece of household equipment. The wire handle is attached via metal lugs on either side of the vessel. The piece exhibits significant signs of age and extensive use. There are numerous chips in the white enamel coating, revealing the dark metal substrate beneath, often accompanied by rust, particularly on the lower half and near the handle attachments. The red rim also shows areas of wear and chipping. The overall enamel finish is dull and shows discoloration and grime accumulation, indicative of dirt and oxidation over time. The wire handle is somewhat bent and appears rusty in places. The wooden handle grip shows wear and a darkened patina from handling. Despite the wear, the structural integrity appears largely intact, although it is clearly not in pristine condition. No specific maker's marks, signatures, or stamps are discernible from the provided images. It's typical for utilitarian enamelware to lack prominent branding, especially older pieces. Based on the material (enameled metal), design (faceted body, red rim, wire bale handle), and the observable wear patterns consistent with age and practical home use, this piece likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, possibly late 19th century, fitting within the vintage or antique enamelware period. The combination of the faceted body and the red rim gives it a distinct aesthetic. Its level of wear tells a story of its long service life, moving beyond mere utility to an object with historical patina. Enamelware of this period was generally robust. The craftsmanship, while utilitarian, aimed for functionality and durability. The applied enamel coating provides a non-porous, easy-to-clean surface, which was a significant advantage over simple metal. The visible chip losses are inherent to enamelware, especially with heavy use or impacts. This piece represents typical mass-produced domestic goods of its era.