Queen's University Archives / Kingston General Hospital Archives Collection
Category
Mental Health
Classification
Mental Health
Mental Health, Treatment
Accession Number
992062001
Description
Textured fabric-covered wooden box contains a "Cabco Medical Coil"; bottom compartment opens for storage of attachments (missing); leather handle on top; two spring-loaded clasps on front
Plaque attached inside lid: MANUFACTURED BY // CHAS. A. BRANSTON LIMITED // TORONTO,
CANADA // MODEL 55 No. 1575; paper label fixed inside lid: "Directions for Using 'Cabco
Medical Coil'"....
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0007
0007-L2-2
Dimension Notes
Length: 21.0 cm. x Width: 16.0 cm. x Depth: 19.5 cm.
Condition Remarks
#2: The fwo front latches, four back hinges, and two rings and brackets connecting the handle to the case all showed signs of moderate corrosion; the outer covering was dirty and warped in the central portion; the leather covering the handle was worn and deteriorating; the metal handle component underneath was rusted; the case was dusty; the inner paper label was yellowing, and its edges and corners were beginning to curl up; visible inner metal components were in good condition, showing no signs of corrosion; #3: smells awful; metal is rusty; residue inside; paper is yellowing.
Reference Types
Website
Reference Comments
Grey Roots Museum and Archives: https://greyroots.pastperfectonline.com/bycreator?keyword=Chas.+A.+Branston+Company
Research Facts
The Chas. A. Branston Co. manufactured x-ray and electro-medical devices in the early 20th century. Before this, Charles Branston manufactured radios at Buffalo, New York, in the early 1900s, and appears to have maintained that operation at least as late as 1926. When he began his operations in Toronto, Ontario, is unknown, but in a Canadian patent application of September 1919 (#200714) for a vibrator for high frequency electro-medical apparatus, he stated he was "of the City of Toronto." A further patent application (#217323), in March, 1921, (patent issued 1922) shows the owner as The Charles A. Branston Company. In 1920, the company operated out of Toronto, Ontario at 355 Yonge St.