Historic Chamber Pot

3D Model

This historic eramic (ironstone) chamber pot was found during CAP’s 2005 excavations of Saints’ Rest, the first dormitory at Michigan State University which burned down in the winter of 1876.

The term “chamber” is an old word for “bedroom”. Chamber pots date back to ancient Greece during the 6th century BC. They were still common in the United States through the late 19th century in smaller buildings after the introduction of flushing toilets and remained in use into the early-mid 20th century.

This chamber pot gives us a window into the conditions of early dorm living in MSU’s first student housing.

This model was created by Jack A. Biggs using Agisoft Metashape

A 3D model was previously built of the lid that belonged to this chamber pot: (https://sketchfab.com/models/c192ccf8865b45948c7cb8c70901a78a)