1960's Fraucewail Salesman Sample Bath

A mid-20th-century French enamelware miniature bath, produced as a salesman’s sample to demonstrate full-scale domestic bath design and finish.

This miniature bath is believed to date to the 1960s and was produced in France as a salesman’s sample, intended for showroom or trade presentation rather than children’s play. Measuring approximately 145 mm long × 75 mm wide × 40 mm high, the bath closely mirrors full-size enamelled household baths of the period, featuring a white enamel interior with contrasting dark exterior and a drainage opening.

The underside is marked “M. France”, a common country-of-origin marking seen on French enamelware rather than a confirmed manufacturer’s name. While the name Fraucewail is sometimes associated informally with enamelled bathware, no definitive documentation currently links this marking to a specific registered company.

Salesman samples such as this were used by manufacturers and distributors to demonstrate construction quality, enamel finish, and form to retailers and architects. The piece is in excellent condition, with clean enamel surfaces and minimal signs of wear, making it a strong example of mid-century French industrial design and domestic trade history.

NOTE

The name Fraucewail is used here as an attributed trade name, based on period usage and collector references rather than confirmed manufacturer records. At this time, no definitive archival documentation has been located identifying Fraucewail as a formally registered company. This is not unusual for mid-20th-century European industrial and enamelware production, where items were often manufactured by small factories for wholesalers or exporters and marked only with country of origin. The absence of easily accessible records reflects the limitations of surviving documentation rather than uncertainty about the object itself. Ongoing research may refine this attribution as additional sources become available.

Features

Measurements: 55 mm round x 35 mm wide

Condition: Excellent

Markings: M. France

Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us to help update our records.

‍

Made from the following materials

Metal has played a significant role in the history of dolls and toys, with materials like cast iron, tin, and brass being used for centuries to create durable and appealing playthings. Each type of metal has distinct characteristics that have influenced its application in the toy industry, leading to a variety of designs and styles.

Cast Iron

Cast iron was one of the first metals used in toy manufacturing, particularly during the 19th century. Its strength and durability made it ideal for creating toys that could withstand the rigors of play. Cast iron toys were often made using molds, allowing for mass production and the creation of intricate designs. Popular cast iron toys included figurines, toy cars, and trains, many of which featured detailed craftsmanship and decorative paintwork. These toys were not only popular with children but also became collectible items over time, cherished for their historical significance and nostalgic appeal.

Tin

Tin, often used in the form of tinplate, became a favored material for toy manufacturing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tin toys were lightweight, affordable, and could be produced in large quantities, making them accessible to a wide audience. Tinplate was often stamped or lithographed with colorful designs, bringing characters and scenes to life. Classic examples of tin toys include wind-up cars, robots, and playful animals, many of which featured moving parts that delighted children. Tin toys remain popular among collectors today, valued for their charm and the artistry involved in their design.

Brass

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has been used in toy making for its attractive appearance and durability. It is particularly well-suited for creating smaller components, such as gears and mechanisms in wind-up toys. The shiny, golden hue of brass gives toys a sense of elegance and sophistication, often seen in decorative pieces and collectibles. While brass dolls are less common than those made from other materials, some artisans have crafted beautiful dolls with brass accents, adding a touch of luxury to their designs.

Throughout history, the use of metal in dolls and toys has allowed for a diverse range of creations, each reflecting the technological advancements and artistic trends of their time. The durability of metal ensures that many of these toys have stood the test of time, allowing them to be enjoyed by new generations of children and collectors alike.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of metal dolls and toys, highlighting their role in the evolution of play and the craftsmanship that goes into creating these timeless treasures. From the strength of cast iron to the whimsical designs of tin and the elegance of brass, these materials tell a rich story of creativity and innovation in the world of toys.

‍

Country:

France

France’s dolls and toys embody elegance and artistry, from 19th-century bisque dolls and Parisienne fashion dolls to modern luxury collaborations with brands like Dior. French toys have long been symbols of refinement and cultural influence.

Fraucewail is a name occasionally associated with mid-20th-century French enamelled bathware, most commonly encountered in relation to miniature baths and salesman’s samples rather than confirmed full-scale consumer products. At present, there is no definitive archival evidence identifying Fraucewail as a formally registered manufacturer, and the name is not consistently documented in French industrial or trade records. It is likely that Fraucewail represents a trade name, distributor label, or informal attribution linked to enamelware production in France during the post-war period, when such items were widely produced for domestic use and commercial display. Objects attributed to Fraucewail typically reflect classic French enamelware characteristics of the 1950s–1960s, including clean white enamel interiors, dark contrasting exteriors, and forms closely modelled on full-size household fixtures. Within a museum context, Fraucewail-attributed pieces are best understood as part of France’s broader enamelware and industrial design history, illustrating how manufacturers and distributors used scaled models to present craftsmanship and design to retailers and clients.

Produced by:

Fraucewail

Product Code:

T0178

Dimenions:

40(h)

x 75(w)