North America Archives

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At first glance this pair of forceps might read as device for torture or a veterinary castrating instrument but, as the header indicates, they are neither. They are rare pair of umbilical forceps, patented in the USA by Ernest V. Acheson, of Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 9, 1905 (patent number: 789,401). Length: 6″ or 15cm. His claims for this instrument include: “My invention contemplates an improved pair of umbilical forceps of that particular character in which the Read More...

06 Oct

Aloe St. Louis Survey Transit Level (1917), theodolite

By Viafora

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The A.S. Aloe St. Louis Survey Transit Level Instrument from 1917 is a rare collectible piece of surveying equipment manufactured in the United States. The instrument comes in its original box making it a valuable addition to any engineering or surveying equipment collection. This unique tool provides a glimpse into the history and craftsmanship of surveying techniques used in the early 20th century, offering both functional and historical value. Shipping to UE is 25€, UK 35€ and USA 105€ Read More...

23 Sep

1885/87 US Patent Tuning Fork: unusually small & complex

By M and R Gordon

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D.W. Segrove received two patents for this tuning fork: one in 1885 and the second in 1887, shown in first image. It is distinguished by its small size and innovative adjustability. Tuning forks of this kind were used in the diagnose and evaluation of hearing loss as well as other applications. Read More...

21 Sep

Journal of the Aeronautical Society of America, 1916: complete run

By M and R Gordon

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The Journal of the Aeronautical Society of America was only published for one year: 1916. We are offering a complete run containing all 12 numbers in very good condition. 9″ x 6″, This is a scarce periodical, held by only a small handful of institutions. There are no copies currently being offering offered on Abe, Adall or any other bookselling site The articles contained in this journal are technical in nature, dealing with subjects such “Standardization of Propeller Hubs”, “Steam Read More...

14 Sep

Helicopter Pioneer: 1940s Platt-Lepage Coveralls & Certificate

By M and R Gordon

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W. Laurence LePage was an important American pioneer in vertical flight and the first to receive a contract from the US Military for a helicopter. We are offering Platt-Lepage Aircraft Coveralls, that may have belonged to LePage himelf, and a diploma-like certifcate ,dated October 15, 1940, appointing W. Laurence LePage a member of the Subcommittee on Rotating Wing Aircraft of the Committee on Aerodynamics of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, that is signed by Vannevar Bush Read More...

13 Sep

1920s contraceptive sponges and cases

By M and R Gordon

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Three 1920s cases for contraceptive sponges: tw0 with unused sponges, one empty. Diameter of cases= 1.75″ or 4.4cm approx. The cased sponges numbered 1 and 2 are marine sponge in cotton netting with a string attached to aid in its extraction. The cases simply marked “SPONGE” is empty. Case 2 and 3 are lithographed tin; case 1 is cardboard. All three were sold as a “Sanitary Health Sponges”, or similar, because promoting them as a birth-control device would have Read More...

07 Sep

Loomis’ Placenta Forceps, C1880, Codman & Shurtleff

By M and R Gordon

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A fine nickel-plate pair of Loomis’ placenta forceps by Codman & Shurtleff, working in Boston, C1880. Length closed: 13.75″ “Loomis’ placenta forceps (also frequently documented as Loomis’ ovum forceps) were introduced during the late 19th century. , appearing prominently in medical practice and literature by the 1870s. Historical medical collections and catalogs typically trace the manufacture and use of this specific style of instrument from roughly 1860 to 1922.” Lost: Miscarriage in Nineteenth-Century America Shannon Withycombe (2018) “The forceps—frequently featuring a Read More...

24 Aug

Timby’s Solar Timepiece

By Hatchwell Antiques

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Timby’s Solar Timepiece, by L. E. Whiting, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA, circa 1865. Annular paper dial around the globe showing the hours and minutes in Arabic numerals, a second enamelled metal dial showing the tens of minutes in Arabic numerals, mechanical brass movement, in a walnut case. The globe signed: Joslin’s six inch Terrestrial Globe Boston Gilman Joslin 1860. Height. : 68 cm. Width : 38.5 cm. Depth : 18 cm. Invented by Theodore Timby, and manufactured by Dr. Lewis E. Whiting. US Patent No. 39,183 Read More...

06 Aug

Two C1850 Mechanical Bleeders, one by African -American gunsmith

By M and R Gordon

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THE MOXLEY HAS BEEN SOLD. Two C1870 Mechanical Bleeders. One in brass ($295.00), the other in German Silver (SOLD), the latter signed by maker, “M. MOXLEY”: likely, Meshach Moxley,* whose maker’s mark was “M. MOXLEY”. Both work but strong springs make them difficult to load. Both have compartments for extra blades. The German silver one has a chamois pouch with one blade in its compartment. Both about 4.75″. Given their size, they are likely veterinary. * “Meshach Moxley, probably [ worked] Read More...

29 Jul

19th century swift all made in whalebone

By Galerie Delalande Paris

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Rare swift entirely made of whalebone. Reference: Book “Ingenious Contrivances, Curiosly Carved” by Stuart M. Frank page 270. Dimensions: height 62 cm x total open diameter 71 cm. England or USA made in the XIXth century. Read More...

20 Jul

Camera Lucida for a Microscope

By M and R Gordon

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Early 20th-century camera lucida for a microscope. Last image shows similar camera lucida mounted on a scope. No makers’ mark evident. Condition: very good,including mirror. Read More...

03 Jul

The Dreadful Dalkon Shield IUD: Parous & Nulliparous

By M and R Gordon

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The Dalkon Shield, an IUD, was invented by Dr. Hugh Davis, c1970, who subsequently sold it to A.H. Robins C0. in 1971. It was widely prescribed as a contraceptive.This IUD was offered in two sizes: one for woman who had given birth and one for women who had not. The former is $95,00, the latter $125.00. It soon became apparent that it was creating very serious health issue for some women who had received one. In 1974 it was Read More...