SUPERB ORIGINAL VICTORIAN BATHROOM SINK TOILET CISTERN

This is a lovely original set for your period bathroom which is all in superb clean condition. It is also very rare and extremely expensive to buy as individual items! It has been in my possession for some time but I have realised with another house move looming that it simply isn’t going to get used and I therefore need to reluctantly part with it.  It is all totally original (no reproductions) and comprises:

• White bathroom sink and matching supporting metal bracket
• White toilet pan (Excelsior) with an original wooden seat  
• Choice of either a High Level Cast Iron Cistern and pull chain OR  high level wood (pine) lead lined cistern
• Pair of metal brackets for toilet seat & pair of cistern brackets
• Toilet roll holder
• Wall mounted soap dish

Obviously I could only add 12 photos. I do have more so if you would like to see any item in more detail let me know and I will email you the picture(s).

The Sink and matching metal supporting bracket:  The sink has been professionally re-enamelled (by Roll Top Revivals of Redruth) and has not been used since.  I had this work undertaken as although totally useable the inside was crazed with some hairline cracks - although it did not leak). There are a couple of tiny scuffs to new enamel along the edge but nothing to in any way detract. The underside of the sink was not re-enamelled so you can see original finish underneath. This sink comes with the original brass taps (which appear free working and were renovated when the sink was re-enamelled). Most rarely it also comes with the fantastic original brass plug and chain (shown separately in one of the photos). The first part of the pipe work to the waste remains and I am advised your plumber will be able to adapt this to your circumstances. This lovely shaped sink fits perfectly into the decorative metal supporting bracket which is the original, and in undamaged condition.  I have just stripped the clogged layers of paint from it and its ready for you to prime and top coat in the colour of your choice. I can’t find another similar original one for sale on the internet but a reproduction one will set you back £1,715! The sink is approx 57cm wide.

The Toilet Pan:  This is, in my opinion, in really lovely condition and I understand very rare.  The blue “Excelsior” logo inside is nice and clear, the pattern on the outside is almost like hearts but I am told is called ‘egg and dart’. I had this professionally cleaned and apart from a barely noticeable repaired chip around one rear screw hole (back right and visble in photo if you look hard enough!) this is in fantastic condition for its age (no crazing or cracks). The hole to the rear that is not used has been permanently blocked to avoid leakage.  There is one of these toilet pans (without seat or cistern) for sale on the Drummonds website for £1590!

The toilet comes with an original Victorian seat, which appears to fit it perfectly (and probably is the original one). This is in great condition having just been professionally overhauled. The brass fittings are all in excellent condition.  Reproduction seats can cost about £400!

The Toilet Cistern: You have the choice of either the cast iron cistern or the pine one, but not both.  The cast iron cistern has been carefully shot blasted and undercoated with a marine rust resistant primer inside and out.  The exterior is ready to be finished in the colour of your choice.   The other cistern is a pine one. Also designed to be a high cistern (although it was mounted as a low cistern in the farmhouse it came out of). This has just been polished and re-varnished.  It is lead lined, with no leaks. Originals can retail at around £350.

Also available is a modern copper pipe that connected the metal cistern to the pan (not shown in photos) but this will need adjustment/ extension at either end by your plumber and probably a copper of brass bracket to hold it to the wall.

The accessories: There is a pair of original brackets that could be used to hold the toilet seat in place. There is also a set of cistern brackets (although one has the tip of one end missing). The cistern brackets are too short for either of the advertised cisterns unless you mount them on a block of wood first – if the wood were painted to match the wall finish it would barely show). Alternatively they would hold up a shelf lovely!

There is also an old pull and chain for the high cistern (the chain is also brass, just needs a bit more cleaning!).

I am also including a lovely genuine original Victorian toilet roll holder called ‘The Cecil’ and with “RDNo 547852, made in England’ stamped on the back. This will hold a standard sized loo roll!

Finally I have also included an original wall mounted soap holder (which would look much better than leaving the soap on the lovely sink!).

Other information: You are welcome to come view this prior to bidding by prior arrangement.  It is located in Downton (south of Salisbury).  I am afraid this is a collection only item. I am not prepared to wrap and post given the nature of the items. There is a possibility I might be able to get this to Exeter or Cornwall (via A303/A30) next time I go that way, but payment in full would be required before I set off with it!

Please feel free to ask other questions and I will do my best. I’ve described it to the best of my ability but I am not an antique dealer and have no expertise in vintage sanitary equipment. The photos are clear and I feel representative of what I am selling. These are all genuine old fittings so although in my opinion are in great condition they will show signs of their age. You will probably need a sympathetic plumber when fitting!  My research indicates to buy this set as separates could cost over £4,000 (if you can find them!).

This set has provenance, I bought most of it from a house near St Day in Cornwall that was removing it to install a modern bathroom. The pine cistern was removed from an old farmhouse in St Keverne, Cornwall. Remember - This is all original – just look at the Thomas Crapper website to see how much reproductions would set you back! Or perhaps check out the Drummonds or Alscot Bathrooms website to see what prices genuine originals are fetching. 

I have more photos if you need to see more let me know what and I will send additional picture(s). I am not prepared to split the set. If you only want one or two bits, buy it all and readvertise the rest! I play fair and will not end the auction early, it is not advertised elsewhere and I will not sell outside of ebay. There is no buy it now price but I confirm I will sell to the highest bidder (over the reserve).

A reserve has been set on this.

PAYMENT: I have to advertise 'Paypal' according to ebay. However my limit for this is set at £250/month so obviously you won't be able to make payment in full via this method. Payment is preferred by cash on collection or by cheque (which must clear prior to collection). If you cannot collect within 7 days of the close of auction a deposit will be required. Please ensure collection arrangements are made within 3 days of the close of auction. I can hold on to this for a few weeks for you providing you have paid the deposit and we have agreed a collection date. There will be no haggling on the price collection, so ask the questions before you bid! As you can see I have a 100% record which I am keen to protect.  Good luck.