19th Century English Regency Pump Operated Bathing Apparatus

Description

Wow! What a unique piece of history straight out of a Jane Austen novel. This is a true 19th century bathing apparatus from England. The first mechanical hand pump shower was patented in England in 1767 by William Feetham, a stove maker from London. The pump lifts water from the tank at the base through the hollow bamboo ‘pipes’ and a lever at the top releases water like a shower. Water has not been added to this piece and functionality is unknown. The entire piece is hand painted with a yellow-beige background and decorated with green and black accents. It was acquired from a Jupiter Island estate in 2025. What a cool piece of history for any collector. to adore!

Life Magazine has described a similar piece as, “A treasury of old tubbery, Regency shower was a fancy bathing apparatus in England around 1810, pump lifted water from tank at bottom through pipe to top tank, water could be used over and over again.”

Overall dimensions are 29″ diameter at the base, and 21″ diameter at the top. Measures 100″ tall with an inside standing height of 80″. The basin and top cap are removeable.See

Dimensions

29ʺW × 29ʺD × 100ʺH

Styles

Boho Chic

English

Regency

Period

Mid 19th Century

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Item Type

Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned

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Materials

Bamboo

Metal

Condition

Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections

Color

Beige

Condition Notes

Excellent antique condition with some signs of wear from age and use. Some chippy paint and rust spots, but most …moreExcellent antique condition with some signs of wear from age and use. Some chippy paint and rust spots, but most paint is intact. Surprisingly sturdy. Water has not been added to this piece and functionality is unknown. See all photos.