Civil War-Era Mechanical Breast Pump with Original Case

Lot 176

About Seller

6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States

With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more

Bid Increments

Price	Bid Increment
$0	$25
$500	$50
$1,000	$100
$2,000	$250
$5,000	$500
$10,000	$1,000
$20,000	$2,500
$50,000	$5,000
$100,000	$10,000

About Auction

American History, Featuring the Property of N. Flayderman & Co. by Cowan's Auctions

Live

American History, Featuring the Property of N...

By Cowan's Auctions

Jun 9, 2017 - Jun 10, 2017

Set Reminder 2017-06-09 10:00:00 2017-06-10 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American History, Featuring the Property of N. Flayderman & Co. https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-featuring-the-property-of-n-flayderman-co-2392 Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

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Lot Description

Rare brass and blown glass mechanical breast pump manufactured by S. Maw & Son of London, accompanied by original, illustrated instruction sheet, ca 1860s. Housed in original, beautiful and finely made flame mahogany case, approx. 4.75 x 4.5 by 2.75 in., with recessed, brass locking mechanism and fitted interior and purple velvet fabric liner on the inside surface of the base.

The breast pump itself is a precision made, medical instrument made entirely of brass except for the graceful glass "cup" that would be fit over the nipple and act to catch the breast milk as the pump was operated. It retains the original brass cap that covers the fitting by which the two pieces were joined. While undated, it carries the mark of the manufacturer S. Maw & Son. This company existed from 1807 until at least 1974 but operated under the name "S. Maw & Son" from 1861 through 1870.

Condition

Breast pump is well preserved - intact and complete with the original varnish surface to the brass elements intact and shining brightly. The glass bell or cup is without flaw and the Breast Pump displays beautifully. The leather "gasket" that allows the pump to create suction has shrunk a bit over the decades and would need to be restored or replaced for the Pump to work as designed. The original case is also exceptionally well preserved - the exterior retains its original French Polish finish without damage or significant wear. Whlie the lock mechanism is present we do not have a key. With some light wear to the velvet lining of the box and some edge wear and toning to portions of the Instruction Sheet.
Shipping Info
- SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.