Antique Cast Iron Toilet Paper Holder The Equity APW Paper Co Albany New York

$145.00

This is a very cool antique cast iron toilet paper holder The Equity made by the APW (Albany Perforated Wrapping Co) Albany New York.
Originally patented in the 1800's it has a spring loaded bar that is released by a side button
It is marked on the back 161 E - possibly makers number.

Such a great rustic piece it measures 6" x 2 1/2" base/wall mount
and measures 4 1/2" from wall

Albany is the reputed birthplace of TP as we know it today.
Reputed, because there is, of course, some dispute. Before Seth Wheeler of Albany patented his posterior product in 1871, there was already toilet paper in some form or another. But it was usually just individual squares -- often medicated -- and not a roll like we use now.
According to the US patent office, Wheeler patented what was then called perforated wrapping paper ("toilet" was a sensitive word in 1871). He patented the idea to have the product wrapped around a central tube in 1891, and is also often credited with patenting a bracket to hold those tubes.
Some people argue that Scott Paper Company invented the stuff before APW, but for the most part, Wheeler gets first credit. His company, Albany Perforated Wrapping Company, was founded in 1878 in a building on the northwest corner of Montgomery and Colonie Streets in Albany. That building was occupied by Albany Terminal Warehouse after the turn of the century.
APW "boasted that it had originated the idea of selling paper in perforated rolls." that included bathroom tissue.
Oh, and if you weren't aware, there's actually a virtual museum dedicated to the history of TP.
Albany can't lay claim to patents for some of the advancements in technology, like quilted squares or two-ply or angel-soft or those little imprinted designs. But they were there when it counted with regular old TP on a roll.

Shipping from United States

Processing time

1-3 business days

Estimated shipping times

  • United States : 2 - 3 business days

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

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I gladly accept cancellations

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these new items?

All items in my shop are vintage and antique meaning previously owned, loved and used.
I will disclose any condition issues to the best of my ability in the item description and ask that you review pictures and description prior to purchase.
Please contact me - I'll be happy to clarify and answer any questions.

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I do not accept returns or apply refunds
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I’ll gladly provide any additional
information
If it is agreed upon between the seller and buyer that an item will be returned,it is the responsibility of the buyer to pay for return shipping. Once the item is received to the seller a refund of the purchase price only will be applied to the buyers account.
I ship quickly -1-3 business days-so I will only except a cancellation within 24 hours of purchase since I will be preparing the item for shipment in order to expedite your purchase

Why are shipping costs so high?

The shipping cost is determined by the postal service which is described below Due to the various sizes and weights of the items in my shop I unfortunately cannot offer free shipping
I utilize the USPS for shipping all packages and have found them to be the most economical and reliable

USPS has discontinued Regional Rate Box prices. This means that this mail class is no longer available
USPS uses Cubic Pricing rates which are determined by package dimensions and distance traveled instead of weight

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