The "Blue Henry" – a Spittoon with a History

In November 2024, Thomas Mann's novel "The Magic Mountain"– one of the most influential literary works of the 20th century – will be 100 years old. To mark the anniversary, a big celebration will be held in Davos, where the novel is mainly set. Hence, a grand reunion with characters from the novel, such as Hans Castorp and Clawdia Chauchat, will take place.

However, the secret star of the novel is "Blue Henry" which, despite the name, is neither a literary figure nor a real person. In fact, it is actually nothing more than a spittoon in the shape of a bottle.

"Blue Henry", however, is a noteworthy spittoon. It used to be the silent companion of the coughing tuberculosis patients in Davos, who contained their sputum in it. Spitting on the floor was frowned upon and even forbidden in some places. "Blue Henry" was produced frequently, but apparently, only a few examples have survived to this day. Some of them are on display in the Medizinmuseum Davos (Museum of Medicine).