Discovered this in a very old school washroom 1920’s. What is this thing?

In some older washrooms, you might also find what appears to be a ceramic spout or small basin attached to the wall, which could have been part of an early drinking fountain or a rinse station. These were designed for quick use and were typically placed at a height convenient for children.

If the object includes a lever, nozzle, or unusual opening, it could even be part of an early flushing or water control mechanism, as plumbing designs in the 1920s were far less standardized than they are today. Schools often had custom or locally sourced fixtures that don’t match modern designs.