Spittoon

1820-1860

Measurements

4-1/2 in x 10-1/8 in x 9-1/4 in

Materials

Hard pine, paint

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3860

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The rectangular spittoon, also called a “spitting box” or “spitter,” is made of wood, whereas most were made of metal or ceramic.  (This one is shown containing sand, which might have protected the wood.)  The container is formed by a rectangular dovetailed box with a bottom board nailed to the underside.  The bottom board edges are chamfered or angled.  An angled collar or flange is nailed into the top of the box. Blue and white paint in a version of grain-painting covers the spittoon.

Spittoons were popular in public spaces throughout the 19th century, when men commonly chewed or smoke tobacco and spat.

For a porcelain spittoon, see accession no. 1959.3702.