This is a small collection of vintage medical instruments, principally manufactured by Allen & Hanburys Ltd. The collection consists of six (only 5 shown in main photo) speculae, designed to aid the examination of patients via the nose, rectum and vagina. There is a pair of Sims double duck-billed speculae designed for the examination of the vagina and cervix. Nickel plated versions were manufactured between 1871 and 1900; these are stainless steel so are likely to be more recent, but have now been superceded by disposable plastic varieties. Also designed for procedures within the vagina/cervix is the Cusco’s self-retaining bivalved speculum. Still in common use, the instrument on offer was made by Allen & Hanburys, so is likely to have been manufactured before 1958. If a rectal examination was required, it might entail the use of a Graeme Anderson rectal speculum. Again on offer is a version manufactured by Allen & Hanburys no’Ltd. So possibly 1878 – 1893; similarly the Cusco’s speculum above. A nickel-plated version with’Ltd. , according the the Science Museum, was manufactured between 1901 and 1930. The version on offer, despite its markings, also has provision for a light probe to be fitted, so may be more recent. Both the speculum and its plug are marked with the figure 18. Also on offer are two nasal speculae. One is a bivalved version designed to be attached, I suspect, to an otoscope or similar. The other is a Thudichums speculum (size 3), manufactured by W. Bailey & Son, who were trading in London, prior to incorporation, between the 1880s and 1890s. Similar instruments are still used for examining the nasal cavity. The item “Vintage Medical Equipment VAGINAL, RECTAL and NASAL SPECULAE” is in sale since Friday, November 29, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectables\Scientific Collectables\Medical”. The seller is “robert-t-bob” and is located in Bedford. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Period: 1893 – c.1958
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
- Material: Stainless steel
- Type: Medical
- Sub-Type: Instruments
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