Hypodermic case (a) is a thin, rectangular-shaped case that is made from fairly heavy gauge steel that is smooth; the case is hinged across the length of the back and the front has a depression clip closing mechanism; on either side of the front clip, there are small cutaways to accomodate fingerna…
Hypodermic case (a) is a thin, rectangular-shaped case that is made from fairly heavy gauge steel that is smooth; the case is hinged across the length of the back and the front has a depression clip closing mechanism; on either side of the front clip, there are small cutaways to accomodate fingernails for opening the case; the left cutaway is in the top portion and the right cutaway is in the bottom; protruding from the bottom edge, there is a recessed skirting over which the top closes to seal the case; the holder insert (b) is a rectangular metal holder with an open top and sides formed out of steel that has been bent upwards 90 deg.; the steel is a lighter gauge than the case and is also smooth; the right edge side has additional length of steel that is folded over to hold the hypodermic needles in place; the left side edge is shorter than the others to allow for the extraction of an individual needle
Number Of Parts
2
Part Names
a - case - Size: Length 6.0 cm x Width 5.0 cm x Depth 7.1 cm
b - holder insert - Size: Length 5.6 cm x Width 4.7 cm x Depth 0.6 cm
Provenance
Used by Dr. C. H. Bird (1872-1944) of Gananoque, Ont.
The bottom of the case is marked "C.H. BIRD, M.D."; the front of the case is stamped, "MADE IN ENGLAND"; the top of the case is marked "TRADEMARK TABLOID BRAND // HYPODERMIC CASE // No. 29 // [unicorn emblem] // BURROUGHS WELLCOME & Co ["o" superscripted] // LONDON (ENG) NEW YORK MONTREAL // SYDNEY MILAN CAPETOWN // BOMBAY SHANGHAI BUENOS AIRES"
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-D5-6
Condition Remarks
The case shows signs of wear and minor evidence of inactive corrosion; the exterior surfaces exhibit signs of pitting
Copy Type
Original
Research Facts
For holding hypodermic needles
Manufactured in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, first in London then expanding to other cities throughout the world, Tabloid kits – a term coined by Tabloid brand co-founder Henry Wellcome – were created for medical and military personnel, travelers, missionaries, and anyone else moving through unfamiliar and possibly dangerous territory. Tabloid first-aid kits, ophthalmic kits, poison-antidote kits, and hypodermic needle kits, all manufactured by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co. were the answer to “What if…?”