Antique ‘The Humber’ Coloured Floral Toilet Pan c. 1900

Capture the elegance of the late Victorian era with “The Humber,” a genuine antique washdown WC pan. Manufactured circa 1900 by the world-renowned Johnson Brothers of Stoke-on-Trent, this pan features vibrant, multicoloured floral transferware. Unlike plain white utilitarian pans of the time, “The Humber” was a premium decorative piece, designed to bring a garden-like beauty into the Victorian home.

Victorian Engineering and Practical Design

Despite being over a century old, this pan features a transition into modern plumbing configurations that make it remarkably practical for today’s homes:

• P-Trap Configuration: Featuring a horizontal outlet (P-trap), this pan is significantly easier to connect to modern wall-exit waste systems than vertical-exit antique models.

• Integrated Seat Lug Holes: Unlike “throne-style” pans that require wall-mounted seats, this model includes original seat lug holes. This allows for the easy installation of either a modern high-quality wooden seat or a reclaimed Victorian seat.

• Washdown Model: A technological leap for 1900, the washdown design offered superior hygiene and flushing efficiency compared to earlier “hopper” styles.

Condition: A Century of Character

This pan has survived over 120 years of history and remains a functional work of art.

• Excellent Historic Condition: For an item of this age, it is in very good condition. While there are some slight, age-related marks to the ceramic, they serve to authenticate its long history without detracting from its beauty.

• Vivid Transfers: The coloured floral patterns have retained their charm, offering a level of detail and pigment that is impossible to replicate with modern manufacturing.

• Professionally Handled: The pan has been carefully reclaimed and cleaned, ensuring it is ready to be the focal point of your restoration.

Technical Specifications

• Model: The Humber

• Manufacturer: Johnson Brothers (Stoke-on-Trent)

• Era: c. 1900 (Late Victorian)

• Pattern: Coloured Floral Transfer-Ware

• Trap Type: P-Trap (Horizontal Outlet)

• Features: Integrated Seat Lug Holes

Why Choose ‘The Humber’?

Finding an antique floral toilet pan in a P-trap configuration with vibrant-coloured transfers is increasingly difficult for restorers. “The Humber” represents the height of Edwardian/Victorian luxury and offers the durability of heavy-duty British pottery. It is the ideal choice for anyone looking to create an authentic “throne room” aesthetic in a heritage property or a rustic country home.

Safe and Secure Delivery

Shipping an antique of this age and fragility requires specialised expertise and bespoke packaging. We offer secure delivery at an extra cost, utilising reinforced, shock-absorbent crating to ensure “The Humber” reaches you safely. Alternatively, collection is available from our workshop.

Need a Specific Match?

If you can’t find the exact item you’re looking for online, please get in touch. Our warehouse holds hundreds of unlisted pieces from heritage British manufacturers like Armitage Shanks, Royal Doulton, Twyfords, Shires, and Ideal Standard.

Specialists in Discontinued Colours

We stock an extensive range of rare bathroom shades from the 1950s through to the 1990s. Whether you need a 1980s Heather Pink or a 1990s Peach, we can help you find the perfect replacement.

Our inventory includes popular and rare tones such as:

• Classic Pinks: Flamingo, Orchid, Chiffon, and Rose Water.
• Retro Greens: Avocado, Pampas, Sage, and Apple Blossom.
• Vintage Blues: Bermuda Blue, Sky Blue, and Caspian.
• Earth & Neutrals: Indian Ivory, Champagne, Pergamon, and Harvest Gold.
• The “Whisper” Range: Available in Apricot, Blue, Cream, Green, Grey, Peach, and Pink.

Looking for a specific shade like Penthouse, Twilight, or Bali? Get In Touch — we likely have the exact match in our unlisted stock.