Estate Coins & Currency, Vintage Women's Fashions, Vintage Medical and other Collectibles
Lot 93:
Description
A mid-20th-century professional medical diagnostic set manufactured by Gowllands in England. The set is comprised of a universal battery handle, a May-pattern ophthalmoscope head, an otoscope head, and three interchangeable chrome-plated specula of various sizes. The instruments feature chrome-plated metal heads, while the battery handle is finished in a black textured material with chrome-plated end caps. The ophthalmoscope head is engraved with the text MAY OPHTHALMOSCOPE IMPROVED PAT. NO. 358766 and Gowllands Made in England. It includes a rotating lens disc with a scale marked with + and – indicators. The base of the handle is faintly marked Gowllands Made in England. The set is housed in its original rectangular hard-shell case featuring a black textured faux-leather exterior and a metal clasp. The interior is lined with purple satin in the lid and a fitted dark blue velvet base. The lid interior bears a label marked Gowllands MADE IN ENGLAND. A paper warning label is affixed to the interior base providing instructions in English and French: TO PREVENT CORROSION OF THE HANDLE THE BATTERY SHOULD BE REMOVED WHEN EXHAUSTED. The case rim is stamped in gold-tone lettering MADE IN ENGLAND. A small accessory, likely a replacement bulb, is housed in a dedicated corner slot.
Condition report:
The set is in very good aesthetic condition with minor age-related wear to the case exterior. The chrome plating on the instrument heads and specula remains bright with minimal pitting. The lenses in the ophthalmoscope appear intact, and the mechanical rotation of the lens wheel is functional. Electrical functionality and the light source have not been tested. One cutout in the fitted velvet base is empty, indicating a missing component, likely an additional speculum or attachment.
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