TitanicThe Artifact Exhibition

Third Class China

During the Edwardian period, a table set with third-class dishes looked very plain in comparison to a first-class or second-class table. This pattern of dishes was used for the Third Class and probably for the crew as well. Third-class china was open-stock, white pieces with the White Star Line logo printed in a single, red color, which eliminated the need for expensive hand decorating. Heavy and serviceable, the third-class dishware was branded only with the White Star Line's logo to prevent theft. Like all china onboard, the name "Titanic" never appeared, allowing its use on other White Star Line ships, if necessary. Additionally, there are no maker's marks on the back in order to keep costs to a minimum. However, some third-class dishes carried the Stonier Co. trade name, which is one of the known suppliers of dishes for White Star Line.

Au Gratin Dishes

Hundreds of these perfectly preserved au gratin dishes were recovered from the sand in 1987 and 1994 where they were found lined up like dominoes. The cabinet in which they were kept protected them during the sinking. Over time the cabinet's wood rotted away, leaving the dishes stacked neatly together in the sand.

The plates, made from special fireproof clay, allowed Titanic's cooks to prepare meals under a searing heat and then serve the same dish at the table.

Purfume Vial

In 2000, a small, leather case was brought up from the ocean floor holding 62 sample-size perfume vials with their labels and outer, protective, metal cases. Although some of the vials had broken and lost their perfume, some still emit the scent of the samples they contained—despite almost 100 years on the ocean floor. Some labels are still legible and identify the scents, such as Musk, Carnation, Lily of the Valley, and Cashmere Bouquet. The labels measure only 1" x 3/4", smaller than a postage stamp.

The case originally belonged to Adolphe Saalfeld, a German-Jewish perfume maker living and working in Manchester, England. He established the A. Saalfeld & Company in 1892 at the corner of Royds Street and Stockport Road (now the site of a pub) in 1892. At the age of 47, he boarded Titanic as a first-class passenger. At the time Titanic sailed, the American perfume business was booming. Saalfeld may have been planning to sell his fragrances to fashion boutiques and department stores in New York and other big cities.

Cherry Toothpaste Jar

Over a dozen of these toothpaste jars have been recovered from Titanic's wreck site. The large number of jars and their small capacity suggests that the White Star Line may have provided this brand to passengers as a complimentary toiletry item.

Deck Bench End

Recovered in 1987, the wooden slats of this bench have long disappeared, but the ornate copper alloy supports remain, a symbol of Gilded Age opulence. The benches stood throughout Titanic's open deck spaces for the comfort of the passengers. The more energetic could avail themselves of the Swimming Bath, Gymnasium, Squash Court or the Turkish Bath.

Originally, wooden slats were attached to the perforated edge of this right bench end. This bench would have been attached to the deck to prevent movement from the motion of the sea.

Chandelier

Dozens of gold-plated chandeliers and wall sconces adorned the men's First Class Smoking Room, including this gilded, five socket chandelier. Differing from similar fixtures on shore, these chandeliers hung rigidly from the ceiling to make the gentle sway of the Titanic less noticeable to the gentlemen enjoying their after dinner drinks. When this chandelier was recovered in 1998, a process called electrophorisis was used to conserve it. This method uses small amounts of electricity to remove the debris and stains caused by living underwater for 86 years.

Third Class Floor Tile

Many lavatories and bathrooms used by third-class passengers and crew featured serviceable black and white tiles. They were manufactured by Villeroy & Bosch, a company founded in 1798 in Audun-le-Tiche in the Duchy of Lorraine located in northeastern part of France. During the period that Titanic was created and built, Villeroy & Bosch was in large scale production of ceramic sanitary ware – including bathtubs, sinks, water closets, and most likely tiles as well. This tile has suffered a partial loss along one side edge, possibly due to the stress of being torn from the Ship as she was sinking. Recovered in 2000, this tile also has what appears to be cement residue along one side.

Second Class Dining Room Plate

Second Class passengers dined from these attractive blue and white 'Delft' china plates. Decorated with stylized flowers, this tableware reflected the middle-class sensibilities of Titanic's second-class passengers. While still attractive, the decoration and quality of the pottery lack the refinement of first-class china. The White Star logo is still faintly visible.

Gillette Razor Blade Wrapper

In 1912, many men shaved with the patented safety razor and the Gillette blade. "Known the World Over", according to advertisements. Others still preferred the manlier, traditional straight razor.

In 1895, King C. Gillette had a brilliant idea while shaving one morning. It was an entirely new razor and blade that flashed in his mind—a razor with a safe, inexpensive, and disposable blade. During that time, technical experts told Gillette that it would be impossible to produce steel that was hard, thin, and inexpensive enough for commercial development of the disposable razor blade.

Despite these negative opinions, Mr. Gillette developed the "safety razor," which was patented in 1904. Production of the Gillette ® safety razor and blade began at the Gillette Safety Razor Company in South Boston. Sales grew steadily. During World War I, the U.S. Government issued Gillette safety razors to the entire armed forces. By the end of the war, some 3.5 million razors and 32 million blades were put into military hands, thereby converting an entire nation to the Gillette safety razor.

Chamber Pot

These Chamber pots were discovered in 1993, and they were kept in passenger cabins onboard Titanic in case of a sudden bout of seasickness.