Item HT 34610 Urethral Catheters - W. H. Bailey & Son, Boxed Set, London, England, early 20th century

Summary

Alternative Name(s):

Set of 12 urethral catheters in hinged wooden box stamped W. H. Bailey & Son.

Urethral catheters are cylindrical instruments for introduction into the urethra or other tubular organ, usually for introducing or withdrawing fluid. Their uses included the treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases, the treatment for which in the early 20th century included flushing the urethra with antiseptic. Similar boxed sets of urethral catheters are depicted in S. Maw & Sons' Catalogue of Surgical Instruments & Appliances, Aseptic Hospital Furniture and Surgical Dressings, etc', London, 1913 (p.229).

W. H. Bailey & Son Ltd was incorporated in 1906.

The catheters were formerly part of the collection of Kryall Castle. Their provenance is otherwise unknown.

Physical Description

Set of 12 urethral catheters in hinged wooden box. Each catheter is a cylindrical metal rod, curved at one end with two slot openings at the end (not parallel to each other), within which can be seen a thin rod. The rod moves when a grip at the opposite end of the rod is pulled or pushed. All but the smallest of the catheters have a cylindrical grip; the smallest has a wire loop. Below the grip on each is a double loop, probably to control for the movement of the rod. The catheters are housed in wooden slots, in two groups, with an empty space in the middle in which a glass vial with glass stopper would have sat (perhaps for a lubricating liquid). The box lid is secured with two brass hinges, and a brass hook at each end. The manufacturer's name is stamped at the front of the open box. A broad arrow symbol is stamped at top centre of lid. A white plastic label has been adhered to the lid with inscription in red (to be removed - non-original). Spotted discoloration over much of box surface.