The antique clawfoot bath tub we cherish so much today was first used during the reign of Queen Victoria. Eventually these tubs fell out of use as new lighter weight materials came into existence. Now virtually all bathtubs are mass produced out of plastic. However, many designers and homeowners appreciate the value of an authentic antique clawfoot bath tub. Even those with no concern for the historical significance of these tubs prefer to use them simply because of their sturdy build and aesthetic qualities.

A Little Bathroom History

Bathing was common all the way back in the Roman Empire. However, it wasn’t like this everywhere. The difficulties posed by moving water to and from a home were not adequately solved until the 19th century when cast iron became a usable material. The new iron pipes replaced the crude hollowed logs and finally allowed anyone to enjoy indoor plumbing.

The Kohler company made some of the first cast iron tubs in the late eighteen hundreds. Bathing was still unfamiliar for most people but it soon caught on. The cast iron tubs proved to be easy to keep clean and also extremely durable. It didn’t take long for people to realize the many health benefits of keeping clean. The spread of disease and sickness could be reduced substantially.

Soon people were placing tubs in the spare bedrooms of their homes and the modern bathroom came into existence. Shortly after the first World War new houses were designed with a bathroom included. This new room was designed complete with the plumbing necessary for a tub, sink, and toilet.

Antique Tubs Today

The antique clawfoot bath tub was made of cast iron. The iron surface was enameled so that it was smoother to the touch and could be easily cleaned. In America these tubs generally had holes for drainage and incoming water. In England, tubs generally only had drain holes and the faucet fixtures were placed in the wall.

It easy to tell a cast iron tub from a more modern tub. Most modern tubs are made of plastic and don’t conduct heat as easily. The antique clawfoot bath tub feels much cooler and hard. It is also extremely heavy by comparison. Clawfoot bath tubs generally have either a flat rim or one that is rolled over the edge. The ends of the tub are often of different shapes.

The antique clawfoot bath tub generally comes in one of two common designs. Either just one end will be raised to accommodate lounging or both ends will be raised. These are referred to slipper tubs or double slipper tubs.

If you are looking for your own antique clawfoot bath tub then you can probably find one online. Because of there immense weight the shipping charges will likely be high. However, the value added to your home will certainly make these charges worthwhile.

For coin collectors all over the world, one of the most extraordinary reveals that can ever be got in the market today are Old Rare Chinese Silver Coins. For one thing, you don’t usually find rare Chinese coins from different dynasties in the local Chinese markets without wondering or suspecting if all of the merchant’s hordes are mere duplicates or fakes of the genuine thing.

It is also awfully rare to be ready to obtain ancient Chinese silver coins for modest prices. So, be aware that if you are into the coin picking up business and want to have some of China’s old and rare silver coins, you’re most likely going to need to shell out lots of cash simply to get them. What you’ll be benefiting from these coins though is part of the country’s ancient history, a valuable and intangible treasure that no one can fiddle with unless they completely destroy such artifacts.

The circulation of old rare Chinese Silver Coins first began when the republic of China was set up after the Xinhai Revolution. Because they needed to develop and issue a new military currency to replace the previous one used in the Qing dynasty, they Nanjing provisional government decided to create a new sort of currency known as the Silver Dollar.

This was established in 1914 by the National Currency Ordinance and became the nation’s currency of the Republic of China. From then on until the 1930s, lots of the designs have changed overtime but the particular sizes and quantity of precious metals used remained unchanged.

These coins have a history so rich the price of these authentic rare coins can be quite compelling for the average coin collector. You will discover that a few of these old rare Chinese Silver Coins can’t be purchased less than a thousand dollars from a reputable coin dealer.

If you’re a coin collector and are especially keen on brilliant, uncirculated silver coins then most likely you’ll be inquisitive about Chinese Silver Commemorative Coins. These coins are usually minted for collection purposes as well as memorial pieces to honor special events and people that have made a difference or a great impact in the country of China.

For instance, to commemorate the Beijing Olympics, Chinese coins were made and designed just for that purpose. Other nations have also recognized the wonderful thing about Chinese coins, especially Australia, Somalia, Singapore, and the Isle of Man, so coinages were prepared and different gold and silver coins are now circulating the markets today that contain the Chinese zodiac on one side and the partnering country’s national symbol on the other.

These coins, depending on the weight, the design, and the valuable metal content, can either be cheap ( RMB 3 to US $10-15 ) or dear ( generally over one hundred to one thousand greenbacks ) due to its rarity and the history that go with it. If you’re interested in picking up Chinese Silver Commemorative Coins, you can find a lot of original pieces or series online in merchant web sites like Amazon and Ebay.

If you’re attempting to find for those with the Chinese zodiac or the Giant panda in them, all you must do is just search through Google and Yahoo and you’ll be able to find the set or piece to finish or add to your collection. There’s bound to be a seller or coin dealer that will have the coin or series you want to complete your personal collection.

If you are a seller of coins, you will also exploit this opportunity by selling your own set of Chinese silver and gold on the internet. Particularly if they are Chinese Silver Commemorative Coins, you’re bound to be showered with all sorts of offers from coin enthusiasts all over the world.