Your antique claw foot tub has a long history, discover how it made it's entry into our bathrooms and you'll understand while we still love their charm.

Nothing quite compares to the look and ambiance of antique clawfoot tubs. When placed in a bathroom, they instantly add charm that is reminiscent of a simpler time; when things moved at a slower pace and a long soak in the tub was available everyday if you wanted one.

Many think that their antique clawfoot tub was invented during the last century. That, however, would be incorrect. The first archeological finds that indicate the claw foot tub shape was used were dated to around 3000 years ago. The tub was made of hard pottery and close in size to today’s antique claw foot tubs. The tub rested on a pedestal (versus feet); similar to the available pedestals for modern manufactured ones.

It was original thought that antique clawfoot tubs were modeled after the shape of a horse trough with adjustments to make the tub more comfortable for humans when they sat in it. In fact, one company did manufacture and market the tub as both a horse trough and a bathtub in 1883. Since many people did not have indoor plumbing, they had already been using metal wash tubs and horse troughs for indoor bathing. Using the clawfoot tub for either purpose made an easy selling point for the tubs.

When a newly invented enameling process was made available to manufacturers in 1873, the clawfoot tub became popular. Many antique clawfoot tubs still have their original enameling today. The enameling was very durable and easy to clean.

In the mid-twentieth century, the standard bathtub (like what is in most homes today) was introduced. The new tubs offered several things that made it more popular than an antique clawfoot tub. The tubs were less expensive to make, had a streamlined modern look (with the apron front), and could be installed right up against bathroom walls; making them require much less space.

In the 1950’s, everyone wanted a contemporary modern look. Many people installed a standard tub and threw their antique clawfoot tub away. Several of these antique clawfoot tubs wound up in fields as watering troughs again.

Over the years, designers have come to realize that antique clawfoot tubs are an essential element required to achieve a very Victorian look. As people have regained a sense of the significance of historical restoration; many of the discarded antique clawfoot tubs have been reclaimed, refinished and put back into use today.

When shopping for an antique clawfoot tub you may have to mix old and new together to get a complete tub. Often the feet of a tub were destroyed, damaged or thrown away; making it difficult to find a tub that is complete. You may have to purchase an antique clawfoot tub and then purchase the feet separately. The feet can be quite expensive (especially original ones) and you might consider purchasing an antique clawfoot tub; then purchase newly manufactured feet.

Most antique clawfoot tubs will need to be re-enameled (if they have not been already). If you will be refinishing an antique clawfoot tub; it is usually not an undertaking to do yourself. It must be done properly with special chemicals. It more than likely will take you a bit of effort to find the tub in the first place; you shouldn’t ruin it with a botched enameling job. Hire a professional to bring your antique clawfoot tub back to it’s original pristine shape.