France Archives - Page 5 of 51

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A cased and complete example of Hirtz’s Compass. In addition, it has the original Gaiffe documentation, dated 1915, and a note from an Italian doctor indicating that he used this device in WWI .Instruments and interior of case are in excellent condition; the exterior case shows some wear, which is to be expected, given its wartime use. The last image is from WIKI and shows a Hirtz Compass assembled and in use. The London Science Museum notes: “Hirtz’s compass, a device Read More...

07 Jun

ELEGANT OPERA GLASSES

By TESSERACT

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Binoculars with a Handle, French, mid-19th century, signed twice ³Bianchi, rue du Coq St. Honoré No. 11 à Paris.² Measuring 4-1/2² (11 cm) wide overall, the binoculars are constructed of gilt-lacquered brass, with simulated tortoiseshell enameled main tubes, central geared focus with ivory thumbscrew, and swing away horn handle. In fine functional condition, they are complete with the shaped wood case covered in simulated red Morocco leather and lined with silk. Read More...

06 Jun

A First-Generation (1840s) Anesthesia Inhaler

By M and R Gordon

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An extremely rare first-generation( c1840s) chloroform inhaler. Metal with a hand-stitched leather cushion that appears to be stuffed with horse hair.The Wood Library of Anesthesia has a superficially similar mask, by Luer, in their collection–see link below. It should be noted that while their collection is arguably the most comprehensive in the United States, it lacks an example of this inhaler. See link below: https://www.woodlibrarymuseum.org/museum/luer-inhaler/ Read More...

02 Jun

Autosynoptometre du Dr. Armaignac by Giroux

By M and R Gordon

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Autosynoptometre du Dr. Armaignac by Giroux. A rare ophthalmic diagnostic device by the esteemed Parisian optical house, Giroux. Excellent condition with what appear to be a full set of internal charts. 7″ x 6″ x 2.5″. We’ve attached a link from the Foticos Collection site that show another example of this instrument in use: https://www.instagram.com/foticos.collection/reel/DFK0C9kRHoX/ “Invented in 1906 by Henry Armaignac, this autosynoptometer is undoubtedly the most sophisticated of all medical stereoscopes based on binocular vision. It allows to interrogate and Read More...

29 May

Tourniquet by

By Van Leest Antiques

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Tourniquet signed by “Charrière à Paris” with red fabric ribbon. Look for shop information on www.vanleestantiques.com Read More...

29 May

Hemorrhoid ligation instrument, c. 1880

By Van Leest Antiques

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Hemorrhoid ligation instrument with guilloche ebony handle. Functional, regreased mechanism. The working of the instrument is explained in the 1862 Mathieu instruments catalogue. Look for shop information on www.vanleestantiques.com Read More...

21 May

Mathieu Paris surgical orthopaedic set in case, c. 1880

By Van Leest Antiques

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A Mathieu a Paris surgical orthopaedic set in case of circa 1880. The walnut case is decorated with purple velvet, it is signed on with gilded letters ‘Mathieu 117 Boule st Germain Paris’ ‘Mathieu Paris. It contains seven instruments, including on the top layer five polished steel gouges, which are straight and counter-bent, in the Mathieu catalogue they are called the Mathieu model. Originally there would have been three flat ‘Mac Even Scissors’. At the bottom layer included are Read More...

21 May

Dr. Krishaber’s Laryngoscope set, c. 1865

By Van Leest Antiques

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Dr. Krishaber’s Laryngoscope set for visualizing the larynx with an indirect (candle) light. The case is made of black leather with a purple velvet interior. It is a complete set with lenses and two square mirrors. Maurice Krishaber (1836-1883) was a otorhinolaryngologist who was naturalised to the French nationality from a Jewish Hungarian origin. He studied medicine at the University of Vienna and the University of Prague and completed his studies in Paris in 1859. He became an active Read More...

16 May

Luxuoux dental toothpick in bloodstone and gilded brass, late 16th century

By Le Zograscope

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A precious personnal dental hygien toothpick datable from France, the late 16th century. The little gem is built in jaspe sanguine or bloodstone, gilded brass with black ink decoration and pearls. It measures 9cm lenght and 9,7cm with the little gilded brass ring. A court or aristocrat personnal dental hygien artifact. Despite a very small damage at the jaspe close the pick, the condition is excellent. A rarity. Read More...

16 May

An unusual small curved amputation knife for tumors by Vitry, circa 1800

By Le Zograscope

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This small surgical knife measures 18cm lenght and the blade itself only 7cm lenght. It signed “V.F. Acier fondu Paris” with the hallmark of the Vitry Frères. Vitry frères established their workshop in Paris in 1795. This early knife can be dated circa 1800. This small amputation knife is illustrated in Jourdain, Traité des maladies et des opérations réellement chirurgicales de la bouche, Paris, 1778, tome 2, plate 1, figure 4 and described as “couteau courbe ou espèce de petit Read More...

10 May

A Set of Fifty Glass Eyes by Henri Giron

By Fletcher

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A good set of fifty glass eyes in various colours all in good condition in original case by Henri Giron Read More...

06 May

“NICE NOSE” Nose Shaper in Original Case

By M and R Gordon

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Nose shapers or “Rectificateurs” offered a reasonably priced alternative to those for whom plastic surgery was out of the question because of cost or anxiety over outcome. By donning this device, say before bedtime, and tightening the screws on the portions of the nose deemed in need of reshaping, the desired result could, at least in theory, be achieved.Our example date from the first quarter of the 20th century and is complete with original case and adjusting wrench. We Read More...