Two early 18th century unmarked silver Medical Implements.

An unmarked silver Medical Spatula with scoop and a Caustic Powder Dispenser, circa 1730, probably English. These pieces would have formed part of the contents of a medical etui case used by a physician or barber-surgeon. The ridge on the caustic holder was designed to allow a finger to vibrate the tube sufficiently to dispense a small amount of the powder contents. For similar instruments see the barber-surgeon’s case in the collection of the Royal College of Surgeon’s in London [see the images below, one courtesy of the Royal College of Surgeon’s Museum, the other from the magazine ‘Country Life‘].