Antique boxwood nipple shield, 18th century. Very rare item.
Stock Number: 4204
£155
A rare nipple shield made from turned boxwood and dating from the late 18th century.
Dimensions
5.5 x 3cm
Circa
1790
Country of manufacture
UK and Ireland
Description
A rare nipple shield made from turned boxwood and dating from the late 18th century. Beautifully finished in necessarily smooth turned wood, without breaks or cracks. Nipple shields were used by nursing mothers when breastfeeding designed to both protect the mother’s nipple and assist infants with difficulty latching or feeding.
The small holes in the domed portion allowed milk to pass through during breastfeeding, while the shield protected sore, cracked, or ulcerated nipples.
Nipple shields appeared from the 16th century onwards and for the wealthy were crafted from wood, silver or ivory with shields made from glass, lead, or bone for those of lesser means. Such devices were advised for temporary use until the nipple healed or the infant could latch directly.
The shield measures 5.5cm in diameter and 3cm in depth.
Ask the Dealer
Dealer information
Beautiful Old England
Treasures and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world curated surgical instruments and much more. We supplied clients in over 30 countries in the last 12 months, most with same day despatch.
