This Weird-Looking Cup Has a Secret Purpose From the Good Old Days
June 30, 2025
source: WorthPointk
Take a walk through an antique shop and you might find one of your own. Without even realizing it is an imitation shrimp or a bowl with fancy patterns. It’s a traditional shaving mug with brush rest. You might even spot a classic shaving scuttle complete with a brush holder.
What Is a Classic Shaving Scuttle with Brush Holder?
In an era before the aerosol can and the electric razor, men turned to a shaving scuttle to whip up warm, luxurious lather that ensured a close shave. The shaving scuttle was a serious departure from a cup or mug, featuring a brilliant two-piece design.
The top perforated bowl held a shaving soap puck of some sort. The lower section was for hot water, which helped keep lather warm during a shave. The side means or opening, which sometimes took whimsical forms, was like a classic scuttle having a brush rest and a way to drain excess water.
How People Used It
Add Boiling Water: Boiling water was for lower chamber through the spout. The pollypro kept the top soap dish toasty.
Lather Up:A wet shaving brush was swirled around top of the soap in the top bowl. The heat produced a rich, creamy lather that softened whiskers significantly more. Especially when using a classic shaving scuttle, it enhances the experience.
Hanging, Drying: The brush could hang in the open mouth or side spout in its blow-dried state where air circulation could naturally dry the knot.
Rinse & Repeat – Once used the scuttle can be simply rinsed out and is ready for its next use!
About the Stone Ball
Sometimes you’ll see a shaving scuttle in an antique shop with something foreign in it. A marble or a stone ball sitting in the bowl. This ball is not part of the classic design — just a bizarre addition left by a vendor for display or to prevent damage.
A Blend of Function and Style
Shaving scuttles were useful and also beautiful. Constructed of ceramic, porcelain, or stoneware… They frequently sported fancy glazes and patterns, or whimsical looks, such as the fish-shaped one shown here. Some were even monogrammed with initials, logos or other designs.
Once again in the hands of a master, these tools remind us of a day when taking even a simple routine like shaving was a matter of pride and craftsmanship. A classic shaving scuttle with a brush holder exemplifies this heritage.
Why People Still Love Them
The vintage tools are now enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to the traditional wet shaving community of today. Today’s shavers value the scuttle for its ability to keep lather warm, enabling a luxury and comfortable shave.
Even not being used for shaving, having a vintage shaving scuttle with brush rest is a nice decorative piece. It adds personality to a bathroom, barbershop or collector’s shelf and inspires conversation about the timeless rituals of days gone by.
Where to Find One
These delightful throwbacks are inexpensive and available everywhere from antique stores and flea markets to estate sales and on the internet. Vintage Shaving Mug And Brush Set
Prices vary widely according to condition, age and design.