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Mr. John is in possession of a very rare find: a 19th Century "portable loo" that was used before the times of running water and toilet paper. It is a predecessor to the temporary restrooms that are manufactured today.

The toilet was built in London, by D. Chambers. The technology is similar to that found in today's portable toilets, as it uses a fresh water pump. The date of manufacture is estimated to be early-to-mid Victorian (1840s-1860s). It is a 'campaign' toilet, meaning that it was intended for the use of British Army officers while on military campaigns overseas.

Historically, this kind of flushing portable toilet could have been used by the nobility and gentry when travelling in Great Britain, especially those who were not prepared to tolerate the public toilets found in the yards and gardens of provincial inns and hostelries. It would have been one of the servant's duties to empty the contents into the nearest garbage heap.

The portable toilet, or loo, remains in excellent condition. It is an antique that represents the timelessness of the temporary restroom industry, an industry that Mr. John is very proud to be a part of.