What is an antique washstand?

A washstand or basin stand is a piece of furniture consisting of a small table or cabinet, usually supported on three or four legs, and most commonly made of mahogany, walnut, or rosewood, and made for holding a wash basin and water pitcher.

What is a Victorian washstand?

Simply, a washstand is a table-like structure designed as a place for the Victorian man or woman to complete their daily ablutions. Most popular during the 18th and 19th century, as personal hygiene was increasingly prioritised, these items became obsolete in their original purpose with the advent of modern plumbing.

How old are washstands?

How old are they? Though The Wood Whisperer says that some washstands date back all the way to the 16th century, they were most widespread during the 1800s and early 1900s. According to SF Gate, they went out of favor by 1930.

How can you tell if a wash basin pitcher is antique?

To recognize the authenticity of the antique piece, you would need to find the manufacturer’s mark. It is usually placed somewhere out of sight. You need to look underneath the basin or pitcher to find the sign of the time when the objects were crafted.

What’s the difference between a dry sink and a washstand?

Washstands are smaller than dry sinks and have flat tops backed by splashboards or galleries. There is an open space below that is high enough to accommodate a ceramic pitcher and washbowl on a low shelf. The shelf may also incorporate a drawer.

What were washstands used for?

A washstand is a piece of furniture designed to hold a bowl for washing your hands and face in, which was used in former times before sinks with faucets.

What is a washstand used for?

When were wash stands used?

washstand, also called washhand stand, from the beginning of the 19th century until well into the 20th, an essential piece of bedroom furniture.

How much is pitcher and bowl worth?

Although values of toilet ware sets have dropped considerably since demand for Victorian era items plunged in the late 1990s, a complete seven-piece set recently sold for $600 and prices of many mint pitcher and basin sets currently range from $125 to $250, based on quality, maker, age, decoration and rarity.

What is an antique dry sink worth?

Antique dry sinks’ value increases with age, decoration, and rarity. In general, even weather-beaten and worn dry sinks are worth about $100, with nicer pieces increasing in value into the mid to upper hundreds.

What does an antique dry sink look like?

The first dry sinks had a more primitive look with a recessed top panel to prevent excess water from splashing on the floor or walls. During the Victorian era, most dry sinks had a flat top with a tall backsplash. More elaborate designs were topped with marble or copper and had carved wood features.

What is an English washstand?

washstand in British English (ˈwɒʃˌstænd ) noun. a piece of furniture designed to hold a basin, etc, for washing the face and hands.