Antique W.H. Bailey Solid Brass Tongue Depressor – c. 1880s London
Rare Victorian Medical Collectible
Own a piece of 19th-century surgical history. This solid brass tongue depressor was crafted by the renowned W.H. Bailey, a premier London manufacturer of surgical instruments and hospital furniture.
Provenance & Dating
  • Maker’s Mark: Deeply stamped "W.H. Bailey, 38 Oxford St W."
  • Circa: 1880s – 1890s.
  • Historical Context: The company operated at this specific Oxford Street address during the late Victorian era before moving in 1910. The absence of "Ltd" or "& Sons" in the signature confirms this as an early, highly desirable specimen.
The Instrument
  • Material: Heavy, solid brass. Chosen in the 1800s for its durability and natural antimicrobial properties.
  • Condition: Features a beautiful, deep aged patina consistent with its 140-year history. The hallmark remains crisp and legible.
  • Design: A relic from the era of reusable medical tools, designed to be sterilized long before the advent of disposable wooden depressors.
About the Manufacturer
Established in 1839, W.H. Bailey evolved from Salford clockmakers into one of London’s most respected medical outfitters, serving as "Hospital Furnishers" to the city's elite medical community.

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