A pair of solid, curved turbinotomy scissors, consisting of two metal arms, one end with closed oval finger grips; a metal arm extends from each of the two finger grips; these arms interlock one-third of the way down; the arms are attached by a small nut and bolt two-thirds of the way down, nearing…
A pair of solid, curved turbinotomy scissors, consisting of two metal arms, one end with closed oval finger grips; a metal arm extends from each of the two finger grips; these arms interlock one-third of the way down; the arms are attached by a small nut and bolt two-thirds of the way down, nearing the cutting end; the bolt has a flat, narrow groove bisecting it; from the nut and bolt, the arms curve together and each thins to a cutting edge and narrows to a rounded point; a small ridge marks the point at which each arm becomes a blade; the outside of each arm is rounded; the inside of each arm is flat.
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.
"H. Pfau Berlin N W 6." appears on the outside of one arm around the mid-point; when the scissors are opened, the number "100" can be seen stamped into the metal on the flat inside surface of each arm toward the finger grips, just above the point where the arms interlock.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-F1-13
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Dimension Notes
Length 17.5 cm x Width 6.0 cm x Depth 0.7 cm
Condition Remarks
This item displays some corrosion along the edges of the metal and at the point where the arms interlock and are joined; the plating has been worn in these spots; rust also appears on the edges of the cutting blades; there are some small accretions of grime on these blades; #2: rusty.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
Reference Comments
Dr. M. Williams; "A Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances, Also of Aseptic Hospital Furniture," Down Bros. Ltd., 1906, p. 482 (similar to item #2119)
Research Facts
Although identified by Dr. Williams as Beckmann's scissors, this item bears a closer resemblance to Panza's turbinotomy scissors, advertised in a 1906 catalogue.
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.