Portable metal sterilizer consisting of a metal rectangular bottomless box with movable bail wire handles (a) and removable cover on top (e); removable mesh sterilization tray with movable handles (b); two metal square steaming baskets with locking clasp closure lids (c, d); top of lids have movabl…
Portable metal sterilizer consisting of a metal rectangular bottomless box with movable bail wire handles (a) and removable cover on top (e); removable mesh sterilization tray with movable handles (b); two metal square steaming baskets with locking clasp closure lids (c, d); top of lids have movable handles; boxes are perforated and are sitting in metal boxes with holes cut in the sides; the holes match up to the perforation marks on the baskets, or they can be moved downward so the basket is sealed; model number "1680" stamped on artefact, as well as manufacturer's snowflake design logo with the letter "L" stamped in the middle; steaming baskets have patent number "23599" stmaped on them as well as the manufacturer's logo
Number Of Parts
5
Part Names
a - case - Size: Length 36.2 cm x Width 21.3 cm x Depth 19.0 cm
b - tray - Size: Length 34.7 cm x Width 17.5 cm x Depth 17.4 cm
c - basket - Size: Length 16.7 cm x Width 15.4 cm x Depth 15.4 cm
d - basket - Size: Length 16.7 cm x Width 15.4 cm x Depth 15.4 cm
e - cover - Size: Length 36.6 cm x Width 19.0 cm x Depth 1.1 cm
Provenance
Donated by Dean Barry Smith, Faculty of Medicine, Queen's University
(a) Stamped on side: "1680"; (c) stamped on top: "D.R.G.M. // 23599"; (d) stamped on top: "D.R.G.M. // 23599"; (e) stamped on top: "1680".
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0007
0007-M2-2
Condition Remarks
Slightly tarnished all over; some corrosion inside on bottom of steaming baskets
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Internet
Other
JPG
Reference Comments
"Catalogue of Surgical Instruments & Appliances", Down Bros Ltd, 1906, p. 2157 (similar to model #8344); "Aloe’s Illustrated and Priced Catalogue of Superior Surgical Instruments, Physicians’ Supplies and Hospital Furnishings. 6th ed", A.S. Aloe Co., 189–, p. 983 (similar to model #11428); "Launtenschlaeger website"; fits on top of 997.001.955a-n; CD #8
Research Facts
This is the upper part to a combined sterilizer; the lower part is used for sterilizing instruments in boiling water to which 1% carbonate of soda was previously added; the upper part fits onto the lower part; dressings and bandages are steamed in perforated baskets placed in the upper section; the dressings could be kept in the containers until required for use; underneath the sterilizer were alcohol or gas lamps which heated the water; the "D.R.G.M." mark stands for Deutsche Reich Gebrameister, which means 'registered patent'; this sterilizer could have been made by Berlin's F & M Launtenschlaeger, the company who made the first instrument sterilizer in the 1880s and still specialize in surgical instrument sterilizers today
Exhibit History
On exhibit in the Friend-Vandewater Gallery in Botterell Hall, Queen's University; removed January 27, 2010