The aural operating forceps are a metal, scissor-like instrument, with two finger grips on one end and a clamp on the other end; the instrument is made up of two main pieces of metal that are rounded on the outside and flat on the inside; these two parts are held together by a small nut and bolt at…
The aural operating forceps are a metal, scissor-like instrument, with two finger grips on one end and a clamp on the other end; the instrument is made up of two main pieces of metal that are rounded on the outside and flat on the inside; these two parts are held together by a small nut and bolt at the midpoint; the finger grips are closed and oval-shaped; a metal arm extends from the bottom of each oval; the arms meet at the bend of a 45° angle, and are then connected by the nut and bolt; the bolt top has a thin, flat screwdriver groove; the nut, on the opposite side of the arms, is hexagonal; the end of the bolt is visible past the nut and a metal thread is visible; the arms continue past the nut and bolt, and as they near the clamping end, they twist and widen to form the clamp; the clamp ends with a slightly rounded point; the inside gripping edges are flat and bordered by small ridges; a shallow oval groove runs down the middle of each gripping surface.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Originally owned by Dr. Publow, who practised in Prince Edward County between 1850 and 1900. Given to Dr. M. Williams, head of Otolaryngology at Queen's University.
"F. A. Hardy & Co." is stamped on one arm near the gripping end; when the forceps are opened, the number "19" is revealed, stamped on the inside of each arm just below the nut and bolt and towards the finger grip end.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E3-16
Length
22.0 cm
Width
6.0 cm
Depth
1.0 cm
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
Signs of normal wear are evident, primarily along the inside edges of the arms where they rub together; the plating is worn along the edges of the instrument; small rust spots are developing along the length of the inside and outside edges; black spots of tarnish or wear have developed on the inside clamping edges, along the small grooves; rust is also developing on the arms where the nut and bolt secure the two pieces together; the nut and bolt are also a little loose--the nut can be turned with ease with the fingers; #2: rusty.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Reference Comments
"Aloe's Illustrated and Priced Catalogue of Superior Surgical Instruments, Physician's Supplies and Hospital Furnishings," 6th ed., A.S. Aloe Co., 189–, p. 234 (item #5204)
Exhibit History
On display at Hotel Dieu Hospital circa 1983-1993; the item was mounted on an acidic board with copper-covered wires to secure it.