When you go to a barbershop, you want the tools used to be clean. In the days before antibiotics, you really wanted the tools used to be clean. Which is why there are so many patent for antiseptic utensils for barbers. From simple disposable cups, via more complete outfits, to shiny glass and brass contraptions. What sets Henry Rosenthal’s antiseptic utensil apart from the others is that he filed his patent before the big shaving brush anthrax scare.

Henry also did one better than many inventors by not using a paper cup. And he did one worse to himself when it came to the brush… More on that later.

A lot of patents I’ve discussed are about making your shavegear smaller, handier, and more portable. And it makes sense, in a way, to have things that pack small for travel – doubly so in the days before we all drove automobiles. So I can see why Charles Finley applied for a combination drinking cup and shaving mug back in 1901. I just don’t see why anyone would combine the two.

Sadly the patent don’t say why Charles felt this was a good idea. But it does claim it to be an improved combined cup and mug, so there must have been some earlier (and worse) versions of this.