Silver otoscope by Maw with illuminant

Catalogue number #735652647

Silver otoscope with automatic candle	Silver otoscope by Maw with illiminant	Silver otoscope by Maw with illuminant

Description:

Boxed otoscope made in solid silver(!) with three interchangable ear pieces made by S. Maw, Son & Thompson, London, together with a rare 'automatic' candle illuminent alas not made in silver but nickle plated tin. I've forgotten when the 'automatic candle' was patented (1840s?) but the idea of it is that the light from the candle should always remain at the same height no matter how much of the candle has been burnt. In this case the candle flame is restricted to the middle of the bullseye lenses for maximum effect. This is accomplished by having the candle contained in a tube with a spring under its base, the top end has an aperture less than the diameter of the candle so that only the wick and flame can penetrate it. As the candle 'burns down' so it is forced up by the spring maintaining the wick at the same height throughout the life of the candle. Condition: the otoscope is near perfect, the velvet lined fitted case is fune inside but shabby and missing some of its leather on the outside. The automatic candle is 'perfect' apart from some wear of the plating visible in the photos. Silver medical instruments are rare. The firm of S. Maw, Son & Thompson was in business from 1870 - 1901 Box size 105 mm x 90 mm x 67 mm high Automatic candle 170 mm high

Sale Details:

I am interested in this item [Email us about it] | Have you registered yet?