Lot 81
Henry Dreyfuss Neuvogue Toilet-Red, c. 1939; viteous china, manufactured by Trenton Potteries Company for Crane Co., Chicago. Signed with manufacturer's stamp.
There are several distinctive design characteristics of the Neuvogue toilet that made it unique: it was extraordinarily quiet because the tank bolts directly to the bowl, which is encased inside an integral china outer shell. The water rushing through the bowl is muffled by the encasement of the bowl. The elongated basin created a very large water surface. The basin rim is sunken toward the rear with a correct posture full saddle-shaped seat. Finally, the clean, tall vertical all-in-one piece appearance of the basin and tank, which was considered ultra-modern in the 1930s.
Noted industrial designer of the 1930s and 40s, Henry Dreyfuss was born in New York City in 1904. Until 1920, Dreyfuss studied as an apprentice to theatrical designer Norman Bel Geddes, his later competitor, and opened his own office in 1929 for theatrical and industrial design activities. It was an immediate and long-lasting commercial success, with such major corporate clients as Western Electric (the 302 "Lucy" telephone), Hoover (1st upright vacuum with Bakelite hood), Westclox (Big Ben alarm clock) and the New York Central Railroad (20th Century Limited locomotive).
Other Dreyfuss products and clients include, American Thermos, General Electric (flat topped refrigerator), Sears Roebuck (Toperator washing machine), Polaroid Land camera, 1939 World's Fair (Democracity futuristic 2039 city and the AT & T pavilion featuring the Vodar voice synthesizer exhibit), John Deere (Model A and Model B tractors), Wahl-Eversharp (Skyline fountain pen), Bell System (Model 500, Princess and Trimline phones), safety razors (Pal, Gem & Flicker) and Honeywell (round thermostat).
Dreyfuss was commissioned by the Crane Plumbing Company to design a line of bath fixtures and fittings that debuted in 1936. The Neuvogue fixtures display the streamline look of the late 1930s while featuring ultra modern design characteristics meant to improve function and usability. The toilet itself was notable for being exceptionally quiet as well as for its ergonomic design. The pedestal sink is a large 27" x 22" size with a unique 1/2 round shaped bowl that left room in the back corners to set toiletries. The raised china waterfall hood behind the basin contains the spout and valves all in one place. The handles on the sink, as well as all handles in the Neuvogue line were sleek , chrome plated lever and ovoid shapes, called "Futura". The column is a modern design that mimics that the shape of the toilet, making a "complete bathroom of harmonious modern beauty."
Dreyfuss was featured twice in Fortune magazine, once in 1934 as the subject of an article about product design by designer George Nelson and once in 1951 on the cover. Dreyfuss's 1955 book, Designing for People, and 1960 The Measure of Man are considered class reference texts, as was his 1972 "Symbol Sourcebook: An Authoritative Guide to International Graphic Symbols.
31" x 16" x 31" D with repair to back of toilet bowl.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Shipping quotes can be requested from the following shippers:
Pakmail - 317.255.7447 or at [email protected]
UPS Store - 317.466.9616 or at [email protected]
Just tell them the lot numbers in the catalog or the dimensions of the item and they should be able to assist you.
We offer these choices to make the auction buying experience more pleasurable and satisfying for our valued customers.
Ripley Auctions
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 23% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $49 | $5 |
| $50 | $199 | $10 |
| $200 | $999 | $25 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $50 |
| $2,000 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |