Male Bed Urinal
Decorative art / Medical glassware / Utilitarian Object • Mass-produced medical glassware; likely manufacture by an unknown apothecary glassworks (e.g., Wheaton, Whitall Tatum, or European equivalent)
Style & Movement
Industrial/Traditional Medical Glassware
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown or mold-blown clear glass with rounded bulbous body and angled neck
Creation Period
Late 19th Century to mid-20th Century (Approx. 1890-1950)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25-30 cm in length, horizontal format
Subject Description
A utilitarian medical vessel designed for use by bedridden male patients. The object features an ergonomic, asymmetrical design with a large flat-bottomed reservoir and a long tilted neck to prevent spills.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The glass appears intact without major cracks, though surface scratching and internal dulling (clouding) are likely present from age.
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $50 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $40 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a domestic setting or an antique medical collection; no visible labels or markings identifying a specific owner or medical institution.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a piece of medical material culture, documenting the evolution of healthcare and sanitation before the prevalence of plastic medical disposables.
Notable Features
Hand-finished rim and distinctive ergonomic curvature characteristic of pre-World War II glass production.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions, potential 'glass sickness' or mineralization inside from past liquid storage, and fine scratches on the base.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a stable environment away from vibration; clean with distilled water and mild detergent if necessary, but avoid abrasive chemicals that might etch the aged glass.