A woman has issued a lighthearted but unsettling warning after uncovering a surprising truth about her family’s beloved Thanksgiving tradition.
Antique Shopping Surprise: Your Gravy Boat Might Be an Old Chamber Pot
Antique hunting often brings unexpected discoveries, but some finds come with a history that’s both fascinating and unsettling. TikTok creator Jenna Jones (@_jennasayquoi) recently shared a revelation that has sparked a mix of intrigue and horror among antique enthusiasts. Her video, which has already amassed over 772,700 views, warns against mistaking an elegant gravy boat for something much less appetizing—a bourdaloue, or a portable ladies’ chamber pot.
What’s the Difference? Gravy Boat or Bourdaloue?
In the video, Jones explains that certain 18th- and 19th-century antiques often misidentified as gravy boats were actually designed for an entirely different purpose.
“I’m not trying to scare anybody,” Jones says, “but you might want to make sure your granny’s gravy boat isn’t an 18th- or 19th-century p*ss pot—also known as a bourdaloue.”
Bourdaloues, sometimes referred to as “coach pots,” were portable chamber pots for women. Designed for convenience and discretion, these pots allowed ladies to relieve themselves while standing or squatting, often hidden beneath their voluminous dresses.
Jones highlights the unique shape of bourdaloues, noting their resemblance to a Dutch shoe, designed to “gently cup your lady bits.” Gravy boats, on the other hand, lack this ergonomic design and feature a signature pouring tip, which the bourdaloues do not.
Spotting the Differences
Distinguishing a bourdaloue from a gravy boat becomes easier once you know what to look for:
- Shape: Bourdaloues are rounded and ergonomic, often resembling a small shoe. Gravy boats are elongated and sleeker.
- Features: Gravy boats have a pouring spout, while bourdaloues do not.
- Purpose: Bourdaloues were built for comfort and discretion, whereas gravy boats are designed for serving food.
Jones even compares images of both items in her video, challenging viewers to spot the difference.
The Internet Reacts
Jones’s revelation left viewers both amused and alarmed, prompting many to reassess their family heirlooms:
- “I live in fear of someone mistaking a chamber pot for a soup tureen every time I see one in an antique shop,” wrote one commenter.
- “Not me staring at a bourdaloue in my kitchen at 4 am,” shared another.
- A third added, “So. Today I learned my grandmother’s ‘gravy boat’ we used every Thanksgiving was IN FACT not a gravy boat.”
What to Do If You Have One
If you suspect your antique gravy boat might have a more scandalous history, take a closer look at its design. For added assurance, consult an expert or visit a reliable antiques blog like Nancy’s Daily Dish, which offers detailed tips for distinguishing these items.
Until then, you might want to double-check your Thanksgiving serving dishes—just in case.
