Strange Medical Instruments in Antique Box - Any Ideas ?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by 15Stiftgasse, Aug 23, 2021.

  1. 15Stiftgasse

    15Stiftgasse Well-Known Member

    I'd be very grateful if anyone were to be able to shed any light on this antique box which contains a number of interesting, but slightly dodgy-looking medical instruments, if you see what I mean.

    The box is of fine grain hardwood, measuring c.21 x 17 x 10 cm high, and consists of a reversible lid and an interior fixed lower tray. The lid has a central brass crest of two dragons (?) supporting the double-eagle crest of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and the motto of the monarchy 'Viribus Unitis', followed by the word 'Patent'.
    The lid, when flipped over, fits into the lip of the box and reveals twelve fixed identical brass cups, with graduating interiors.
    The box contains an assortment of items, which appear to be of nickel/chrome plated brass. The main instruments appear to be three 'plunger' type devices, which might be of chromed brass with ebony knobs. The other items are presumable intended to be used as accessories in conjunction with the 'plungers'.

    Any information at all would be much appreciated !!!


    679_-2053774654.jpg 679_-536222095.jpg P1050286.JPG P1050275.JPG P1050272.JPG 679_-134555003.jpg P1050269.JPG P1050270.JPG P1050271.JPG P1050274.JPG
     
    Bronwen likes this.
  2. Kronos

    Kronos Well-Known Member

    What makes you think Medical?
     
    Bronwen and 15Stiftgasse like this.
  3. sabre123

    sabre123 Well-Known Member

    On the lid: Viribus Unitis

    SMS Viribus Unitis was an Austro-Hungarian dreadnought battleship, the first of the Tegetthoff class. "Viribus Unitis", meaning "With United Forces"
     
    Bronwen, komokwa and 15Stiftgasse like this.
  4. sabre123

    sabre123 Well-Known Member

    Also:

    Coat of Arms of Emperor Franz Joseph I

    [​IMG]
     
    Aquitaine, Boland, Bronwen and 2 others like this.
  5. 15Stiftgasse

    15Stiftgasse Well-Known Member

    The box and contents were, if I remember correctly, sold as being medical instruments (in a box/case).
     
    Bronwen likes this.
  6. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    Cupping instruments?
     
    Bronwen and 15Stiftgasse like this.
  7. 15Stiftgasse

    15Stiftgasse Well-Known Member

    My thoughts were along those lines as cupping was quite popular - and still is in certain areas. Thanks for your comments !
     
    Bronwen likes this.
  8. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Cupping was my first thought too. But that's a lot of 'cups'. How many would they put on at one time!
     
    15Stiftgasse likes this.
  9. 15Stiftgasse

    15Stiftgasse Well-Known Member

    Not sure, but they would probably stop once the patient turns white !
     
    Hachiko likes this.
  10. Shwikman

    Shwikman Well-Known Member

    I wonder if it isn’t something “plumbing/water/fluid/beverage” related. I know that’s a wide range there!
     
    15Stiftgasse likes this.
  11. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    The contents of the box do not appear to belong with it at all to me. What are those brass things screwed into the top? They look more like they would fit on top of something holding it in. Most objects like this would fit neatly into a box that is that well made, not be randomly dropped in and banging around together. I'm thinking more on the lines of the box holding bottles of some kind and the tops fitted into those caps to hold them in place.
     
    15Stiftgasse likes this.
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Strange Medical
Forum Title Date
Antique Discussion Strange Musical Instrument Yesterday at 6:59 AM
Antique Discussion One of the strangest things I've ever found at GdWill Sep 21, 2023
Antique Discussion A very strange ring Jun 21, 2023
Antique Discussion thee strangest antique russian icon Apr 29, 2023
Antique Discussion Strange (Chinese?) Old Jade Dragon(?) -- Help identifying/dating Apr 15, 2023

Share This Page