We illustrate and describe herewith some representative specimens of a very superior class of domestic sanitary appliances and conveniences, which are manufactured exclusively for the J. L. Mott Iron Works, of this city, by Messrs. Joseph Cliff & Sons, England. We have repeatedly had occasion to invite the attention of our readers to the high rank occupied by this well-known house as manufacturers of highly artistic iron work of every description for domestic uses, and the appliances we are about to describe, which are the latest additions to their already large and comprehensive sanitary department, fully maintain its high reputation, being in many respects superior to anything of a similar kind that we have thus far seen.
Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of the very appropriately named Imperial porcelain bath. This bath is molded and glazed in one piece. The glazing is delicate and uniform in color, and very perfectly executed, which, considering the size of the article and the great difficulty of securing perfect work of this kind, is something quite remarkable, Aside from the artistic excellence of these baths, the fact that they are very much lighter than anything of the kind thus far manufactured, is another very desirable quality, as it not only does away with the appearance of clumsiness, but saves freight in shipment, and enables the plumber to handle and put them in place with comparative ease. Incidentally, too, they place less strain on the floor beams, which may occasionally be of advantage.
The porcelain bath tub, being absolutely nonabsorbent of moisture, being likewise practically unalterable by which speedily affect wood, zinc and other metallic atmospheric agencies, oxidation, etc surfaces, is obviously superior to these in respect to cleanliness and durability. In regard to the former qualification, which is of vital importance from a sanitary standpoint, no surface can compare with that of smooth glazed porcelain. It entails no labor in scouring or burnishing, requiring only to be wiped out with a sponge to be made perfectly clean. The fixtures are of brass, nickel (or silver) plated, and are of the most approved order. An important feature attached to these baths is the McFarland waste, a most effective, durable and simple attachment, dispensing entirely with the usual overflow pipe. The hot and cold water supply mingle before entering the bath, the temperature being regulated at pleasure by turning one or the other, as may be necessary. The Figs. 2 and 3, showing a top view of wood casing, give the exact proportions of the openings of the two sizes of these baths manufactured, and of the dimensions of the top wood-work, which, in case of necessity, may be reduced. The dimensions of bath (both sizes) are as follows: No, A, (inside dimensions), length. 62 inches: width (top), 26 inches; depth, 20 1/2 inches; weight, 520 pounds. No. B, (inside dimensions), length, 52 inches width (top), 24 inches depth, 20 inches; weight, 430 pounds; thickness of baths, 1 3/4 inches.
Fig. 4 represents another example of the same superior class of domestic appliances namely, the Imperial porcelain wash tubs, which are made to set up with or without covers, etc., as may be desired, and which have, as compared with wood or sheet metal articles of similar kind, the same advantages as regards appearance, cleanliness and durability that have been named in connection with the bath tubs. Our illustration shows the Imperial porcelain wash tubs set up without covers and with faucets over the top, an arrangement which is to be preferred, as it gives more room inside and admits of a much better arrangement of the supply pipes, as these may be placed over the tubs instead of behind them, thus making them more readily accessible for repairs in case of leakage, etc. A sliding cover may be made for them if desired, but they look better without it showing the clean porcelain surface.
For further information respecting these admirable domestic appliances, we refer our readers to the J. L. Mott Iron Works, 88 and 90 Beckman street, New York.