Diphtheria throat swab. Rare medical/scientific instrument. British, early 20C.

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Throat Swab Early20thC Diphtheria Swab This individual throat swab was distributed in the first quarter of last century by various councils in the U.K. to diagnose the disease of diphtheria. This particular swab was issued by the Public Health Department of Edmonton Urban Council, then part of the county of Middlesex and now part of north London in the Borough of Enfield. Each swab was packed in a glass tube and the tube had its own little wooden box and the box had a metal hinged lid to contain it, so contagious was the disease it had to be effectively ‘double wrapped’ for handling and transport. Each swab had a leaflet to record the patient’s details. It was then dated and timed, and had to be returned for testing by 4pm the same day. Given that most swabs were used and obviously destroyed afterwards, this is a rare survivor. The box is approx 7 inches long and an inch square. The tube, swab and stopper approx 6 inches and just over ½ inch diameter. The leaflet is light blue, a bit of browning from aging but still in very good condition from being safe in its box for roughly one hundred years. The glass tube has no chips or cracks and the cork stopper is as original. It is all in perfect condition. More pictures can be provided at request by email. Please state if there are particular areas you wish to have highlighted by photograph. Coloration in photographs might differ from actual item. I do offer combined postage on multiple items. Please ask in advance of bidding because it is variable on the weight of the products being bought. Definitions: Antique refers to an age of 100 years or more. Vintage is between 30 and 100 years. Retro is from 10 to 30 years. Returns & Refunds: The greatest effort is made to ensure that all descriptions and photographs are accurate and all details correct. Please ensure you read descriptions fully and carefully and check all dimensions before placing a bid. All sizes are approximate. If you have any query about anything please contact me by email before you place a bid. Please allow reasonable time for reply before end of bidding. Returns and refunds will be allowed by arrangement if any description is shown to be in error. Part refunds will not be entertained in any respect. Email: UK POSTAGE: Standard delivery is packet second class recorded post. Only recorded or special delivery will be used in accordance with PayPal post-tracking requirements. Recorded Packet 2nd Class: £3.50 Special Delivery: £7.90 NOTE: Damage in transit. This is rare and hopefully will never happen but if it does happen you must note the damage on postman’s receipt when you sign for delivery. OVERSEAS: USA / Canada: £12.50 ___________________________________________ IMPORTANT Terms & Conditions Please Read Payment by PayPal unless by prior agreement Payment must be received within three (3) days of end of bidding. (Cheques/postal orders only accepted by arrangement). Refunds will be given for goods returned by prior arrangement. Combined postage will be offered if more than one item is purchased at a time ___________________________________________ If there is a problem please contact me by email before leaving negative feedback. I will always do my best to resolve a dispute. Feedback will be always be given once a transaction is satisfactory completed and confirmed by buyer’s feedback and DSR . Email: . read more

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