An extraordinarily rare early monaural stethoscope in hand-blown and hand-worked glass
With its elegant bell and delicate twisted stem, this fine example, an impressive 450 mm tall, is possibly of French origin, and dates from the early nineteenth century. From the collection of Dr Milton Roxanas, whose essay 'The Glass Stethoscope' in 'The Medical Journal of Australia', Volume 195, December 2011 (pages 728-729), appears to be the authoritative statement on the subject. 'Few glass stethoscopes have stood the test of time, although it is difficult to say whether this is due to their limited production or their fragility'; the author's extensive enquiries traced only three surviving examples, of which this is one. Dimensions: height, 450 mm; width of base, 100 mm; stem diameter, approximately 15 mm. It is in superb condition, housed in a custom-made perspex case.
Item #110698
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