PORCELAIN MEDICAL STEAM INHALER – S. MAW, SON & SONS
"MAW'S IMPROVED EARTHENWARE INHALER" (c. 1918–1940)

PRICE: £38

A highly complete and beautifully preserved early 20th-century white earthenware institutional steam inhaler, manufactured by the prestigious surgical suppliers S. Maw, Son & Sons Ltd. This specialized therapeutic vessel features a bulbous, wide-bottomed body engineered to maximize liquid volume, tapering smoothly up to a 5cm top aperture, and balanced by an integrated, upward-curving oval inhalation spout.
The ceramic surface is adorned with exceptional, crisp transfer prints in a refined blue-grey monochrome palette:
The primary face displays a large, elaborate heraldic crest enclosing a sophisticated mix of serif and sans-serif typography: "IMPROVED / EARTHENWARE / INHALER / MANUFACTURED / BY / S. MAW, SON & SONS / LIMITED / ALDERSGATE ST, LONDON. / ENGLAND."
The reverse profile, positioned directly beneath the spout, features a formal cut-corner rectangular frame enclosing the comprehensive, historical "DIRECTIONS FOR USE". The text provides direct insight into period pharmacy: "For the inhalation of the vapour of Hot Water the water should be Boiling and the Inhaler not more than half filled. When Infusions are required the ingredients should be placed in the Inhaler and Boiling Water poured upon them. Volatile and other liquids should be added to the Boiling Water."

Condition: Offered in excellent structural condition. The white glaze retains its original gloss, entirely free from hairline cracks, structural fractures, or chips along the delicate inhalation spout and rim. The transfer-printed typography and borders are 100% complete and perfectly legible. The interior retains authentic, historical dark-grey dried chemical or organic residue lines from its genuine operational era, adding significant archaeological provenance.

Dimensions:
  • Height: 16.2cm
  • Base Diameter: 8.7cm Maximum
  • Body Diameter: c. 12.0cm
  • Top Opening Diameter: 5.0cm

Please note: This historical laboratory artifact is sold strictly as an antique decorative and collectable object for display. It is not intended for any modern chemical, culinary, or practical measuring use.

Shipping Information:
  • Shipping is available at the buyer's expense.
  • We routinely use Royal Mail Tracked 24 for parcels up to 20kg to ensure secure, traceable transit.