An excellent ID resource are catalogs (Sears&Roebucks, Wards) from that time period. I grab copies, when I come across them.
 
According to my mother, there was always one in the outhouse but it was not marked, 'Reading Copy Only'!
 
I have a couple from the late 19th that are reprints and those are much easier to find. I highly recommended the catalogs since you can glean useful information from the ads and, they come in handy for identifying all sorts of objects. Often, I like to cross-reference with topical identification guides, like for ceramics only - especially those geared for the antiques market.
 
Pam
 
In a message dated 8/26/2005 2:51:52 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
Hello All:

I am currently trying to accession a ca. 1900 toilet set (pitcher, basin,
slop jar, etc.), and am at a loss when trying to determine the names of
all of the parts.  Can anyone help me out, either by supplying a source
where I can look up the information, providing me with a photo of a set in
your collection with the pieces labeled, or allowing me to send you a
photo of our set so that you can take a look?  Thanks in advance for any
and all help!

Amanda Dyer
Bell County Museum
 
Pamela Silvestri, Museum Assistant
Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Shenipsit State Forest
166 Chestnut Hill Road
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
(860) 684-3430
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