Rare antique19th century ivory and glass hydrocele syringe with original fittings and case

*This item can only be shipped to domestic addresses within Australia*

A very rare cased set of antique 19th century surgical instruments, circa 1860s, by renowned firm Archibald Young of Edinburgh. The set comprises a glass, metal and ivory piston action hydrocele syringe, with original ascites trocar and canula fitting. The ascites trocer, which would have created an incision/puncture during surgery, has a vulcanite handle.

This set would have been used by surgeons during the day to drain hydroceles, excess fluid in the scrotum, from patients. Edinburgh was and remains a pioneer in medical history worldwide, having established the first formal recognised medical school in England in 1776 (the University of Edinburgh Medical School). Archibald Young was a preeminent maker of surgical instruments at the time, establishing their firm in 1777; active until 1914, they produced some of the finest surgical instruments available, pioneering new and innovative instruments throughout the firm’s history.

An intact hyroceles syringe set by this maker is extremely rare, with most examples existing in museum collections such as the British Museum and the RPA Museum in NSW, Sydney.

Price marked at $1250 AUD

Case measurements: 15.5 by 5cm, 3cm height. Syringe measures 15cm length. 

Very good antique condition with light wear overall commensurate with age. Light to moderate wear to original case.

References:

https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co135997/glass-piston-action-hydrocele-syringe

https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/RPA/museum/images/museum/content/39_large.html

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/014107688908200117