The common metal bathtub in use at the time would have been ideal as would have been a ceramic bathtub, hence the name, 'bathtub gin'. However, since distillation is boiling and condensation in a closed apparatus, and cannot be accomplished in an open vessel such as a bathtub, stories of distilled alcoholic products produced in an open bathtub are likely untrue.
The common metal tub or ceramic tub used at the time would have been ideal for making gin, hence the name 'bathtub gin'. However, since distillation requires boiling and condensation within a closed system, and cannot be done in an open vessel like a bathtub, tales of gin being made in an open bathtub are probably false.