19th-century metal medical syringe, antique instrument, ring handle

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old metal medical syringe, typical of instruments used in the second half of the 19th century. The object features an elongated cylindrical structure with a patinated metallic finish. The surface shows regular signs of wear, indicating past use, and a slightly pitted texture. The syringe is equipped with two large lateral finger rings and a third ring at the top of the plunger, allowing for firm and precise manipulation, characteristic of medical devices from that era.

The visible front part reveals a conical, screw-on end, which was used to attach different tips or needles depending on the medical use required. The body of the syringe is robust, entirely metal, with no visible glass or plastic elements, which corresponds to 19th-century manufacturing techniques. No markings, logos, or inscriptions are discernible on the exposed surface, which was common on many medical instruments of this period.

The metal has a grey and matte patina, accentuated by time, with lighter reflections on parts exposed to wear, particularly around the rings and the tip. The plunger, clearly visible, appears to slide inside the main cylinder, suggesting a functional mechanism based on manual pressure, typical of reusable syringes of the era.

The syringe rests on a wooden table, in an environment evoking an old room, which highlights its historical and authentic character. The contrast between the texture of the metal and that of the wood accentuates the utilitarian and artisanal aspect of the object, reinforcing its identity as a 19th-century medical instrument.

This type of syringe was used for various purposes, including enemas, irrigations, or injections, depending on the tips used. Its three-ring design allowed for precise and secure manipulation by the practitioner.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Shows signs of wear, a homogeneous patina, and some surface marks visible in the photo. Mechanical operation not tested.

Did you know? 19th-century metal syringes were designed to be sterilized at high temperatures, which allowed for their repeated use in hospitals before the advent of disposable models in the 20th century. Their robustness and mechanical simplicity made them essential tools for doctors and surgeons of the time.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping from France, professional seller specializing in historical instruments and antique medical objects.

Keywords: antique medical syringe, 19th-century medical instrument, metal syringe, tip syringe, retro medical tool, reusable syringe, historical medical device, plunger syringe, 19th-century medicine, sterilizable tool, antique medical syringe, doctor's syringe