The post-nasal cutting tool is a solid, metal scissor-like tool; one end consists of two oval closed finger grips; a round metal arm extends from each of them; the arms descend in a straight path, then bend inwards to meet; at this point, the inside of the arms become flat, while the outside remain…
The post-nasal cutting tool is a solid, metal scissor-like tool; one end consists of two oval closed finger grips; a round metal arm extends from each of them; the arms descend in a straight path, then bend inwards to meet; at this point, the inside of the arms become flat, while the outside remains rounded; the arms curve together at approximately a 25° angle at the midpoint; they continue towards the cutting end and are joined by a nut and bolt ¾ of the way down nearest the cutting end; the bolt has a narrow groove bisecting it; the arms continue past the bolt, and narrow to thin rods and separate slightly; at the end of each rod is a round cupped piece with a sharp rim; when the instrument is closed, these small cups rest with their sharp rims together, the bottoms of the cups facing outwards in opposite directions.
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.
Dates
1890
1910
circa 1890-1910
Date Remarks
Similar items found in 1890s and 1906 catalogues
Material
metal: silver
Inscriptions
The number "2" is stamped in the metal just above the connecting bolt on the outside of one arm; when the instrument is opened, the number "37" is revealed stamped into the metal on the flat inside of each arm, also just above the connecting nut and bolt.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E3-12
Length
20.0 cm
Width
6.5 cm
Depth
0.6 cm
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
The plating on this item is slightly worn in some spots--at the connection point and along the edges of the finger grips and the rims of the cups; some small corrosion spots also appear on the inside of each arm where the two arms meet near the finger grips; #2: tarnished.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Reference Comments
"Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances, Also Aseptic Hospital Furniture" Down Bros. Ltd., 1906, p. 455
Research Facts
Possibly used for removing polyps.
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.