Shaving dish with the inscription "Shave me" in the center. In good condition, small chip on one edge, see last photo. 19th century. Dimensions: 21cm x 18.5cm height: 6.5cm. Men's toiletry item, shaving dishes have a specific bowl shape. The notch at the lower part, known as the chin rest, allowed the barber to place the dish under the client's chin to catch the shaved beard hair and foam. These objects sometimes feature one or two cavities on the rim, one for lathering soap and the other for receiving a ball placed between the jaw and cheek to tighten the skin and facilitate shaving. A shaving dish is an item used by barbers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Generally made of silver, copper, porcelain, or earthenware, the shaving dish was often richly decorated. Equipped with a ring fixed on an edge or holes, it could be hung on a wall or in a piece of furniture. It was also stored after use in a piece of furniture called a barber's cabinet. A small indentation sometimes presented on one side of the dish could either help hold it with a thumb or accommodate a boxwood ball or spoon. This very original accessory was placed in the client's mouth to puff out the cheek to facilitate shaving. Indeed, many men of the time were missing teeth, and sunken cheeks made shaving dangerous. Authenticity: Original Weight: 1 Height: 6.5 Material: Earthenware Length: 21 Width: 18.5 Type: Shaving dish Brand: Nevers Origin: France Subtype: shaving dish Country of origin: France Style: Popular / 19th century.