Medical Items:

General

Pantoscope du Dr Ed Langlebert signed by Mathieu (2, Carrefour De L'Odeon Paris) from the 1830s. Light from a wick placed in the mirrored tin receptacle is focused through a lens and reflected at 90 degrees by an angled mirror toward the subject area. The mirror which has a central hole allows the user to look along the plane of light from behind. (Similar principle to the later Brunton Otoscope). This remarkable instrument comes with a full complement of speculae for vaginal and rectal use plus various tools for instrumentation. A similar piece is in the Welcome collection (London Science Museum)

A rare example of Sibson's instrument which was used as a combination of both percussion hammer and pleximeter. The weighted hammer was position centrally within a brass frame and could be raised by means of silk cords attached on either side. When dropped it would fall onto the ivory pleximeter from a fixed height and this would presumably have added a degree of consistency to the percussion note. The article is an extract from "PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF THE CHEST, PULMONARY CONSUMPTION AND ITS INTERCURRENT DISEASES" by Somerville Scott Alison MD Edin. Published by John Churchill New Burlington Street in 1861

Used on the chest wall as a platform on which to percuss with a hammer. The nature of the resulting sound could help to distinguish healthy lung from fluid or consolidation. A precursor to sonar and ultrasound. The graduated ivory and hinged wings with ornate silver work, make this a very fine example. There is a similar piece shown on page 194 of Elisabeth Bennion's book "Antique Medical instruments" which is is the Museum of historical Medicine in Copenhagen.

A cased graduated ivory pleximeter and ebony percussor. There are signs of use over the sweet spot where the percussor has struck the ivory, but no damage. The percussor has an ebony handle with one recess for the thumb on one side and two on the other for the index and middle fingers. It is in excellent condition with the head secured in place by means of an ivory sliver. The embossed and decorated burgundy Moroccan leather with red silk and velvet lining is in superb condition as are the catches and hinges. A rare and complete set with all original components (see Bennion P 163)

Antique Ivory Graduated Pleximeter

A delicately made ivory pleximeter with finger rests and graduated markings. Unsigned and dating to the mid or late 19th century. These instruments are becoming increasingly hard to find. Placed on the chest wall it was used as platform on which to percuss. The resulting sound would give an indication as to the health of the underlying lung (the presence of fluid or air or consolidation).

In the tropics rubber would decompose and tropical enemas are designed to function without the use of rubber tubing. This fine brass and ivory example come in its original leather tubular case which contains the attachments and fittings in the lid. The telescopic metal tubes have water tight valves at each junction. The body of the syringe is marked "Invented by W&H Hutchinson Sheffield. Registered on 30 Octobr 1940 No 445."

A fine mid 19th century antique enema in pewter and brass, emblazoned around a royal crest with: "Invented and manufactured by Hilliard and Chapman Queen's Cutlers Glasgow". Hilliard and Chapman were renowned for producing quality medical equipment throughout Scotland and worldwide. They became the first Scottish firm to be awarded a medal at London’s International Exhibition in 1862, and also won prizes at London in 1881 and in Glasgow in 1883. They were famous not only for their royal connections, but also for producing instruments used by the pioneering medical missionary and explorer Dr David Livingstone. This particular instrument was called a tropical enema because it was made without rubber tubing which used to rot in humid conditions.

A mid 19th century travelling ivory thermometer by Stephen Bithray, optician of North Gate, 29 Royal Exchange, London (1827-1860 ) who was also noted for his microscopes. This is not a medical thermometer. However it is noteworthy that the scale is marked "Blood Heat" and that the bulb of the thermometer has been position through the plane of the ivory so that if the thermometer is held by the bulb between thumb and forefinger it can record a peripheral temperature. It is a lovely example which has been finely engraved with two scales, Fahrenheit and Réaumur (after René Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur, who first proposed it in 1730). It is housed in a fitted round Moroccan leather case with decorated silk and velvet lining.

A fine ebony percussion hammer which would have been used in conjunction with a pleximeter to "sound" the heart and lungs, rather than to elicit neurological reflexes. This 19th century piece is in excellent condition, noting the replaced rubber. The crosshatched ebony handle is elegantly secured in position into the nickel plated brass head with a sliver of ivory. The headpiece is marked with KW on the side. Presumably the owner's initials.

An extremely rare Spermatorrhoea ring fastened with a screw. With provenance from the original German catalogue dating from 1894. Spermatorrhoea means involuntary loss of semen, although the rings were also intended to prevent voluntary discharges from masturbation or Onanism (Originating from Onan who originally "spilt his seed on the ground" Genesis 38:7-9). The ring was placed at the base of the penis and fasted with a screw such that any engorgement of the organ would meet with the teeth of the ring and arrest the process.

This fine set of 19th century urinary  catheters is marked "J Cooper Wilkinson". It is a two layered set housed in purple velvet lined leather case. The top layer contains a complete complement of silver urinary catheters. The lower tray contains a number of rubber  urinary catheters (which have vulcanised) with their original ivory connectors.

An compact little set containing a urinary catheter which screws into a gutta percha syringe. The catheter is unmarked silver and is signed Ferguson. The syringe is marked "Goodyears patent 8 May 1881". It comes in its own silk and velvet lined case measuring 145 x 56 x 25 mm.

French Inhaler in Leather Etui (Lanceloy)

This early 20th C set was the precursor to modern day urodynamic equipment (used to study pressure and flow through the urinary tract and bladder). The dial is marked with genito-urinary MFG.Co.Ltd from 26a Devonshire Street, London W.1. It is identical to a piece on display in the museum of medical history, Florida in the Goldbeyer Collection. The case has original hinges and lock but no key. Measures 7" x 9" x 4 1/2".

A delightful French inhaler in its original leather etui dating to the early 20th century. The body of the inhaler is made from glass and the inhaler mechanism (not seen in photos) is held within this. The original cork  stopper and cord are attached. The rubber bulb has vulcanised with age and is housed in a material bag. The Etui is of high quality and is made of double lined leather and signed M Lanceloy and marked as shown.

A vintage glass German asthma inhaler in its fitted silk and velvet lined leather etui. The inhaler is composed of a flat oval of hollow brown glass with three openings. Two have rubber bungs (removed for when inhaling and for emptying and the third is connected to a U-shaped tube which extends into the inner chamber and presumably acts as an atomiser. The inside of the lid is marked in gold lettering "Asthmosana Rudolph M Mayer. Fabr von Asthmaspezialpraparaten der Kuranstalt Furstenbad. Bad Reichenhall / Bayern. Dates to the 2nd quarter of the 20th century.

An antique respiratory inhaler made from dark green Bakelite with a central cartouche which reads "The Inspirator" and on the base "Patented Nov 3 1908". The lid removes to reveal two opening into a the central chamber. One is fixed and would have been used for nasal inhalation. The second is attached to a partly vulcanised rubber tube which connect to a smaller tube for oral inhalation. There remains a pungent smell of the aromatic camphor based oils which were used as inhalants.

A nickel plated inhaler similar in principle to Munyon's inhaler. The bottom of central tube unscrews and would be filled with material or cotton wool doused in the inhalant. Both inlets have usage marks and it is possible that one was used for oral and the other for nasal inhalation. The cap is marked PAT Feb 16 1897

A late 19th century American precursor to the modern day peak flow meter and spirometer. Blowing through this antique spirometry device spins the blades causing the disk to rotate behind a fixed pointer. The resulting crude assessment of lung function depends on both peak flow and lung capacity. See "Measured Breath" and a picture of this instrument from the Smithsonian Institution. Quackery was never far behind, and it was also considered of benefit to "any lady who desires to symmetrically enlarge her bust".

Sterling Silver Needle Set (Aloe)

Ivory and Pewter Syringe

An fine antique sterling silver syringe. Albert S. Aloe was born in Scotland in 1842 and died in St. Louis, Missouri in 1893, the A. S. Aloe Company was founded around 1860. The syringe comes with its original lined case (signed) and accompaniments. These include a silver blunt ending hollow cannula for injection or aspiration and a long needle with a long silver sheath on a screw thread which in the unscrewed position protects the sharp end of the needle. The case measures 122 x 43 x20 mm

A beautifully carved ivory syringe with a glass bore mounted to the ivory with pewter and a pewter and ivory spout. The plunger is kept airtight with a plug of chamois leather. The syringe and ivory are slightly stained but the piece is otherwise in perfect condition. Dates to the late 19th century. Measures 165 x 30 mm

Thermometers

A beautiful example of Immisch's much sought after avitreous medical medical thermometer in perfect working order. He patented his small watch shaped thermometer in 1881. This piece is backed in a gold case which is secured in a red hemp lined metal case. The back of the case is marked "Dr Evan Jones, Aberdare, 1890". Dr Jones is mentioned in a number of historical document related to Aberdare.

A 19th century silver avitreous thermometer, virtually identical to the better known Immisch model but by Maw, a 19th century medical instrument maker and retailer. It comes it it's original hemp lined hinged metal case. This is an unusual variation which I have not seen before. The build quality is to the same high standard as the Immisch although the dial is rather more ornate. It is signed MAW and below this London 6446 Patent. A rare medical thermometer designed to be held in the hand; in perfect working order.

A clinical mercury thermometer by J Hicks of London and patented by him in America in 1884 (see PDF document). It is fixed in an ornately decorated silver case marked "Sterling" on the screw top and which has a cartouche engraved with the letters "ACK". The case has its original silver chain and safety clip. The thermometer itself is in perfect working order. It is marked "J Hicks 8,9 and 10 Hatton Garden London E." and the number 103254.

A rare axilla thermometer in a fitted case dating to the late 19th century. The case is made from embossed maroon leather and lined with silk and velvet. It is hinged at either end and closes with a catch. The thermometer itself is graduated from 20 to 60 and is marked "1/10 Centigrade"

A rare small u-shaped mercury thermometer inscribed 'The curved clinical. Pat 718/12 (dated to 1912). On the other side the gradations are from 95 to 107 degrees fahrenheit. It is housed in a fitted velvet and silk lined leather case along with a silver rod which by means of a screw allows the thermometer to be secured anywhere along its length and applied or introduced to the appropriate part. Quite which part this would be is not clear. Judging by its size it is likely to have be a paediatric device and could potentially have been used in the axilla, nares, mouth rectum or vagina.

A rather quaint cased veterinary thermometer. The scale is marked in degrees Fahrenheit according to Prof Hobday's specifications giving the normal temperature for man, horse, cow, pig, sheep cat and dog. Professor Sir Frederic Hobday was an eminent and innovate English veterinary surgeon 1870-1939. Made by and signed Arnold and Sons with a serial number 32133

Monaural Stethoscopes

Obstetric Laennec Stethoscope

Bakelite Monaural Stethoscope

A fine Laennec two piece monaural stethoscope which is short and was probably used as an obstetric scope. This is of the latest of the Laennec scopes dating to circa 1830 and is made from sycamore wood which has developed a beautiful rich mellow patina over the years which is impossible to mimic. I am aware of only two others, one in a private collection and the other in Brussels medical museum.  Very rare indeed.

A two piece monaural stethoscope from the early 20th century made from 'Bakelite'. Of English origin and in perfect condition.

Pajots Monaural Fetal Stethoscope

Monaural Fruitwood Stethoscope (Maw London)

A rare fetal monaural stethoscope by Pajot. Characteristically short and with a relatively wide chest piece. This particular example is carved form a single piece of fruitwood with a beautiful concentric grain. Measures 135 x 62 mm

A fine single piece fruitwood stethoscope with a beautiful patina. Delicately carved with an elegant narrow stem and a relatively wide flanged ear piece it is in excellent condition. Signed on the underside of the ear piece "Maw London". 175 mm c 70mm

19th C Ivorine Monaural Stethoscope

An antique stethoscope made from ivorine (an early faux-ivory celluloid material) and nickel plated brass. A fine monaural stethoscope in near mint condition. The main stem detaches into two pieces which are held by a retaining clip on the chest piece.

An unusual unsigned Italian fruitwood two piece monaural stethoscope. The ear piece and bell are both enclosed in rubber. The stem fits into the bell piece to improve portability for the travelling physician. Rubber used on metal bells was a way of reducing the coldness of the metal, but in a wooden piece it is likely that this was used to double up as a percussor. The rubber has vulcanised with time and is now hard. The stethoscope remains in excellent condition. Circa turn of the century.

An attractive English antique monaural stethoscope dating to the late 19th century. It divides into two pieces to facilitate storage and transport. The stem is made from fruitwood, the joint and ear piece are made from turned ivory. Both have a rich mellow patina and the ivory shows the lines of Retzius which are characteristic of elephant ivory. The threads of the joint are  sound and the two pieces screw firmly together. The ear pieces is signed J B M Evans who would have been the owner, rather than the maker of the stethoscope. There is a small chip to the side of the chest piece. Dimensions 180 x 50 mm

A delicately made and very finely turned monaural stethoscope with an ivory joint. One of the pictures looks as if there is a colour difference between the stem and the earpiece but this is artifact and they are perfectly matched. The ivory thread is loose and there is a tiny inconsequential chip on the chest piece seen in the photos. In keeping with the higher quality two piece monaurals the stem sits midway through the base in its portable state.

Burrows Stethoscope is characterised by the rubber ring around the ear piece which was used for percussion. However, the remarkable feature of this stethoscope is the fact that the stem is made from solid wood (from the lightness of the wood and the unusual grain this is probably palm, but it could also be cane). The cut surface seen at the intercostal chest piece shows longitudinal tubular structures which surprisingly transmit heart sounds which are crisp and clear to the ear.

An obstetric monaural antique stethoscope. These are more commonly made from two pieces but this example is from a single piece and the earpiece is hollow. The circumference of the ear piece is attractively decorated. It came from Turkey and dates to the turn of the century.

A two piece ebonised French monaural stethoscope with an unusually bulbous chest piece. The stem joins the ear piece is by inserting in a sheathed extension of the ear piece which is also unusual. It dates to the early 20th century.

Binaural Stethoscopes

An early (circa 1870) signed Cammann binaural stethoscope with the chest and ear pieces and joints made from gutta percha. It still has the original elastic tension band for retaining the tubes in position. This was the first tension mechanism used by Cammann and was later replaced with various spring loaded devices. The flexible tubing is woven in fine silk. Signed on the bridge "Dr Cammann's Stethoscope Tiemann & Co".

A fine 2 piece Cammann binaural stethoscope. The stethoscope divides into two pieces with a metal joint. The silk covered tubing connects to a funnel shaped gutta percha chest piece. The nickel plated ear piece section is joined centrally which provides it own tension mechanism. The original black ear pieces are undamaged. One of the later Cammann binaural stethoscopes in excellent condition

A rare binaural Knight's stethoscope. This is essentially the same as a 'Cammann' but with a modified spring mechanism to keep the ear pieces opposed. The spring mechanism is signed "Codman & Shurtleff Boston". The stethoscope itself is in excellent condition with minimal loss of its nickel plating. The silk binding has on one of the rubber tubes has been replaced (some time ago). The chest and connecting pieces are made from gutta-percha

A late 19th century French binaural stethoscope by Galante. The chest piece is typical of the bell stethoscopes and the distal wooden bell section unscrews. The upper half has a spring tension mechanism designed to keep the ear pieces in place. Signed Galante on both sections of the bridge.

A rare phonendoscope patented in 1894 complete with original tubing, earpieces and second diaphragm with intercostal attachment. This was designed to be placed in the intercostal space so as to facilitate transmission of breath and heart sounds

This stethoscope is named after Horst Oertel, a German born pathologist who qualified from Yale and worked in America and Europe. It is similar in function and design to the phonendoscope but smaller. It consists of a metal chest piece to which a diaphragm is held taught by means of a threaded ring. The bell is connected by two rubber tubes to black glass ear pieces. This example dates to the early 1900s and is of French origin with a characteristically stylish leather etui.

An early 20th century binaural stethoscope of the Ford Bell design made by Down Bros. The bell unscrews to allow for two sizes of chest piece. The chest piece and upper section are both signed "Down Bros London". The ear pieces are made from aluminium which at this time would have been a relatively expensive material. The tubing shows some cracking and their is plating loss throughout in keeping with age related wear.

Sphygmomanometers

A very rare sphygmograph used for monitoring the pulse and heart rhythm. The apparatus would be tied to the flexor wrist and the ivory sensor placed over the radial pulse. Smoked tracing or plain paper (with ink) was attached to a plate which was moved across the stylus by a clockwork mechanism. Movement of the stylus at the end of its long arm would amplify the radial pulse and record pulse rhythm and amplitude. Signed by Breguet (Paris) and retailed by Leech & Green, No 1 Hamilton Place. Boston. The mechanism remains in perfect working order.

In 1872 Dr Mahomed improved on Marey's 1857 design by adding a wheel to vary the pressure on the radial artery in increments (ounces 1-14 Troy as measured on a dial). The apparatus was secured to the flexor wrist and the ivory sensor placed over the radial pulse. Smoked paper was attached to the aluminium plate which was moved across the stylus by a clockwork mechanism. Movement of the stylus at the end of its long arm would amplify the radial pulse and record pulse rhythm and amplitude. The sphygmograph is in excellent condition and the mechanism works perfectly. The silver cartouche on the top of the case has never been engraved. The leather has seen better days and the hinge and lid have been repaired at the back but the box is sturdy and closes securely.

A 'Heath-Robinson-like' device invented by Dudgeon in 1882 which records and measures the heart rate by transmitting movement from the radial pulse onto a paper trace. A sensitive manometer sits on the radial artery and the resulting tiny movements are amplified through to a needle by means of a weighted pulley. A clockwork mechanism turns a roller which winds recording paper under the needle to record a trace. The instrument is unsigned. The mechanism and lined case are in mint condition and perfect working order and from appearances may never have been used. This is one of the cleanest examples I have seen and probably dates to the early 20th century although they were of the moment in the late 1800s. Box dimensions: 88 x 68 x 55 mm.

A rare early 20th century "Sphygmometer de Sir Francis R Cruise" by Collin who was a well know French instrument maker. Cruise's instrument uses an anaeroid manometer to demonstrate the blood pressure. The instrument was held vertically over the supinated wrist by the red Bakelite handle between thumb and forefinger. The lower end of the manometer would be placed on a bulb over the radial pulse. Pressure downwards through the handle was measured on the dial and the reading would be taken at the point at which the radial pulse disappeared.

This is an early Acosson model. A petite desktop sphygmomanometer made from bakelite. The original cuff and box are all in good condition although the latter is missing its catch. A very attractive piece which displays well (and still works).

Medical Models

A fine 19th C papier-mâché model of the torso which is marked "Plaster Anatomy by Dr Auzoux. Adam Rouilly & Co. 18 Fitroy Street London W1". The abdominal and chest wall detaches to reveal the internal anatomy. Each individual structure is numerically labelled in exacting detail, down to the individual heart valves with their chordae tendineae. In quite exceptional condition and complete with all abdominal and thoracic organs. 410 x 106 x 140 mm

A rare 19th C papier-mâché model of the head, unmarked but undoubtedly made by Dr Auzoux and listed in his catalogue. Remarkable detail showing muscles, nerves and blood vessels in the head and neck. There is too much to display in the photographs which show only the superficial views. Each section has been delicately put together with hinged pins and catches and the whole model can be dissembled to reveal the inner anatomy in just the same exquisite detail. A true masterpiece which traverses the boundaries where art meets science. (One of a set of four)

A fantastically detailed 19th C papier-mâché model of the brain, unmarked but undoubtedly made by Dr Auzoux and listed in his catalogue. The attention to detail is breathtaking with the anatomical landmarks of the cerebral hemispheres, corpus callosum and central brain, brain stem and cerebellum. The structures are all labelled and numbered. Again the pictures only scratch the surface. The whole model comes apart and as each section is removed new treasures are revealed within. Even the various tracts within the cerebral hemispheres are individually marked with beautifully drawn paper fan like structures. Amazing! (One of a set of four)

A superb 19th C papier-mâché model of the brainstem. Unmarked but undoubtedly made by Dr Auzoux and one of a set of four of his pieces. The brainstem with the central brain, the neurological tracts and the exiting cranial and peripheral nerves are demonstrated in the same remarkable detail. The model dissembles completely into it constituent parts and the photographs here show only the model in its complete form. The stand (not shown) is not original to the piece.

A very fine 19th C papier-mâché model of the ear, unmarked but undoubtedly made by Dr Auzoux and listed in his catalogue. (One of a set of four). A faithful reproduction of the anatomy of the external ear, the ear canal, the mastoid and parietal bones, the middle and inner ear with all the ear ossicles. Each of the constituent parts of the inner ear apparatus comes apart showing their inter-relationships. The model sits on a black plinth (not shown) which is not original to the piece.

A beautiful hand painted anatomical model eye from the turn of the century made of gypsum. The lens of the eye is made from glass and the vitreous appears to be made from an early translucent plastic or resin. The model shows the internal anatomical features in hemi-section from the iris through to the optic nerve. The anatomical landmarks are labeled on the outside surface. It is complete and in good condition noting that the attachments of the external eye muscles are worn.

A vintage plaster model of the brain with detachable segments within both hemispheres of the brainstem, the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. Some minor chip damage but generally in excellent condition. The hand painted tracts, blood vessels and other 'landmarks' have been well preserved.

Gypsum model of a lower jaw. Made by the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden. All teeth and anatomical features are numbered and correspond with a legend on the back (in German and Latin). The model was used form training purposes at schools and universities. In excellent condition for its age with minor crack to the paintwork and one or two superficial chips. Size:17cm x 34,5cm

Made from a synthetic sculpted material (which is not plastic). A largish model of the inner and outer ear. The roof of the external auditory meatus can be removed to reveal the canal, ear drum and bony apparatus, nerves and semicircular canals (also removable). The small metal prong which secures one of the ossicles has snapped, but this is minimal and incidental and otherwise the piece is in excellent condition.

A very nice plaster model of the lower nasopharynx and the oropharynx, showing the teeth, bones and soft tissue structures. There is no makers name but the piece if made to a high standard. There is slight age related fading of the paint which would benefit from cleaning, but the overall condition is excellent and it displays well.