North America Archives

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A fine example of a scarce American, mid-19th-century, amputation saw with a gilt-brass handle and frame cast in the Baroque style. The frame is lightly struck “GOULDING & CO/NEW YORK ” on both sides. Total length: 13.75″ or 34 cm. approx. There are lines of light corrosion where the blade joins the frame; o/w the saw is in very good condition. The original gilding remains remarkably bright after more than a century and a half. Dating from the 1840s/1850s, Read More...

15 Apr

Bartlett’s Binaural Stethoscope

By M and R Gordon

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Bartett’s c1880s binaural stethoscope by “TIEMANN & CO/N.YORK.” We’ve had examples of Camman, Knight and Denison binaural stethoscopes but never previously a Bartlett. It is in very good condition but lacks the hard-rubber ear pieces. The cut is from the 1889 Tiemann Armamentarium Read More...

08 Apr

Hermann’s 1907 Patent Surgical Instrument Holder

By M and R Gordon

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A very rare example of Hermann’s surgical-instrument holder, which was patented in the US on October 8, 1907, and is so marked. This finely crafted case and holder includes all the instruments necessary for minor surgery. It could be carried in a doctor’s bag, pocket or key ring and was easily sterilized. Each instrument could be removed from the holder and inserted in the holder, which also served as a handle–see third image. It is complete and in excellent Read More...

27 Mar

Two C1920 Contraceptive sponges

By M and R Gordon

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Two c1920s contraceptive sponges in their original cases (diameter of each case= 1.75″ approx.).The marine sponge was held in cotton netting with a string attached to aid in its extraction. The case on the left is cardboard; the other one is lithographed tin. They were sold as a “Sanitary Health Sponges”, or similar, because promoting them as a birth-control device would have violated the 19th-century law regarding what could be shipped through the mails: the so-called Comstock Laws.* Such Read More...

27 Mar

Unusual C1900 Metal-Mounted False Teeth

By M and R Gordon

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An unusual set of C1900 metal-mounted false teeth. The teeth are porcelain. The metal has not bee tested but may be German Silver. These teeth were found in the USA but that is all we can say about their country of origin. No condition issues. Read More...

12 Mar

AN ORIGINAL BONE 1800’S SCRIMSHAW

By JP Antiques

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This original rib bone probably dates from the early 1800’s. The Scrimshaw drawing is very detailed. It depicts a whaling expedition with 7 men in a small rowing boat, chasing a whale with a harpoon. The Clipper Ship is in the background. The sea is rough and it is a lively scene. The reverse of the bone is plain. It measures 22cms long. Read More...

23 Feb

Four C1900 Pocket-Nasal Inhalers

By M and R Gordon

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A nice selection of late 19th and early 20th century American pocket inhalers for asthma and nasal congestion. Read More...

07 Feb

~EXCELLENT FLIP TYPE TRIAL LENS PAIR OPTOMETER~

By ScientificaOpticae

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An excellent 8 inch paired, flip type trial lens set/optometer with French ivory handle c.1920. Perfect lenses marked +/- 0.25, bright nickelled steel square shaft, flawless handle. Minor corrosion to the hilt (see photo). marked AO (Aloe? American Optical?)? At least 100 years old. Great display piece for the optometrist. Read More...

31 Jan

~UNUSED FILAR EYEPIECE MICROMETER-SPENCER, BUFFALO~

By ScientificaOpticae

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New old stock filar eyepiece micrometer by Spencer, Buffalo in original card case with pivoting lock. Never used, labelled “Spencer, Buffalo, Orthoscopic, 10X” this black enamel and stainless/bright/nickel steel accessory is the finest you will see for some time. No flaws and cased. c.1930-50. Vernier. Hairs intact. Case is 4 x 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches. Collar ID is 24 mm. (slightly variable to 1 inch). Read More...

22 Jan

Two Stylus Driven Addometer Calculators

By Fletcher

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The AS Lineal calculator, made in Germany and retailed by Berville,18 Rue de la Fayette, Paris-in good working order, in original case, with stylus, with zero reset handle. The Addometer, Regd U. S Patent Office-in good working order, in original case with stylus, for financial sterling calculations up to £9,999. This example retailed by Taylor’s, 74, Chancery Lane, London Read More...

22 Jan

The Sum-Up Slide Rule, The New Amazing Slide Rule

By Fletcher

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“Your Calculations made a Pleasure Instead of a Headache”-Uncommon American Slide rule in good condition with original envelope and paper instruction sheet-adds,subtracts,converts fractions of an inch, decimals of an inch, millimeters. Made by the Sum-Up Slide Rule Co. New York. Read More...

16 Jan

The Lightning Portable Adding Machine with Automatic Clearance

By Fletcher

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An example of the Lightning Adding Machine in unused condition, with original box,instructions, stylus and desk stand-made by the ‘Lightning Adding Machine Co. Inc Los Angeles, California Read More...