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.

• From the Phisick collection