Lot 440: A Late 19th or Early 20th Century Mawson, Swan & Weddell Surgical Lumbar Puncture Apparatus

A late 19th or early 20th-century surgical lumbar puncture apparatus by Mawson, Swan & Weddell, Newcastle. The set comprises a large graduated syringe with a glass barrel, nickel-plated metal frame, T-handle plunger, and a three-way stopcock tip. The apparatus is accompanied by five assorted needles and trocars, and a pair of dressing forceps. The instruments are housed within a black leatherette-covered wooden or card case with a scarlet-red velvet and silk-lined interior. An ivory-coloured plaque is mounted inside the case inscribed MAWSON, SWAN & WEDDELL, NEWCASTLE. The metal syringe frame is graduated with a scale from 5 to 60. A paper label is adhered to the inside lid, typed Surgical Lumbar Puncture Aparatus No. 17. Nov. 71. The kit includes two typed provenance letters dating from April 1973 regarding the history of the instrument and the manufacturer.