Medical optical instrument - 1930-1940
Starting bid
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Selected by Marcel van Hulst
Over 35 years trading and collecting militaria with deep industry knowledge.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
A specialist optical set, a Firle Eye Magnet an ophthalmic instrument used to extract small ferrous foreign bodies from the eye, made in England by Gowllands from about the late 1930s into the mid‑20th century.
What it was used for:
The instrument is a powerful permanent magnet in a metal handle with interchangeable tips designed to reach different parts of the globe and conjunctival sac. Surgeons used it to draw out tiny iron/steel fragments from the cornea, anterior chamber, or even deeper intra‑ocular locations after industrial or war‑related injuries. It was intended as a safer, hand‑held alternative to earlier large “giant” electromagnets, whose strong fields could sometimes worsen damage by moving metal violently within the eye.
Age and dating
A classic description of “The Firle Eye Magnet” appears in the ophthalmic literature in the 1930's when N. B. Harman reported on its design and use, noting a steel–cobalt alloy bar to give very high magnetic power. Museum catalogues attribute cased Firle magnets marked “THE FIRLE EYE MAGNET / MADE IN ENGLAND” to around 1939, with manufacture by Gowllands of Croydon.
Rarity and collectability
Institutional collections (e.g., optometry and surgical museums) treat the Firle magnet as a notable example of eye‑injury management from the heavy‑industry era.
This set is offered as a collectable curiosity only and not for practical use.
The case measures 11.3 x 7cm (4.45" x 2.75").
An example is held in the Science Museum collection in London and can be viewed via the link below:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co153302/firle-eye-magnet-in-case
Seller's Story
Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.
A specialist optical set, a Firle Eye Magnet an ophthalmic instrument used to extract small ferrous foreign bodies from the eye, made in England by Gowllands from about the late 1930s into the mid‑20th century.
What it was used for:
The instrument is a powerful permanent magnet in a metal handle with interchangeable tips designed to reach different parts of the globe and conjunctival sac. Surgeons used it to draw out tiny iron/steel fragments from the cornea, anterior chamber, or even deeper intra‑ocular locations after industrial or war‑related injuries. It was intended as a safer, hand‑held alternative to earlier large “giant” electromagnets, whose strong fields could sometimes worsen damage by moving metal violently within the eye.
Age and dating
A classic description of “The Firle Eye Magnet” appears in the ophthalmic literature in the 1930's when N. B. Harman reported on its design and use, noting a steel–cobalt alloy bar to give very high magnetic power. Museum catalogues attribute cased Firle magnets marked “THE FIRLE EYE MAGNET / MADE IN ENGLAND” to around 1939, with manufacture by Gowllands of Croydon.
Rarity and collectability
Institutional collections (e.g., optometry and surgical museums) treat the Firle magnet as a notable example of eye‑injury management from the heavy‑industry era.
This set is offered as a collectable curiosity only and not for practical use.
The case measures 11.3 x 7cm (4.45" x 2.75").
An example is held in the Science Museum collection in London and can be viewed via the link below:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co153302/firle-eye-magnet-in-case
Seller's Story
Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Physical condition
Good
Functional condition
Not tested
Height
2.2 cm
Width
11.3 cm
Depth
7 cm
Estimated period
1930-1940
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