Sick syphons were used in a similar setting to pap boats as feeding implements for the sick. They were placed in cups or bowls containing teas or broth and used as a strain through which the patient could suck liquid nutrient.

This is a fine late 18th century silver example signed ‘TP ER’ the mark of London silversmiths Thomas Phipps and Edward Robinson (TP free 1777, died 1823 ER free 1780, died 1816).

It comes in its original red velvet lined fitted shark skin case. There is a hook from which the siphon could be hung over the edge of a glass. The three feet on the bottom are to prevent the small opening becoming occluded.

• From the Phisick collection