Anatomical model (7) - Plaster, Polychrome stucco - 1930 - Anatomical body model - Somso

Educational Male Anatomical Model 108 cm tall - detachable torso - SOMSO - Polychromed Stucco / Papier-Mâché - Germany late 19th century - approx 19th-20th centuries
Body anatomical model, polychromed stucco; Brand SOMSO 108cm Germany late 19th century - post 20th century pieces.
Antiques - Techniques - Professional tools - Medicine
"SOMSO" Company History"1876-1929July 17, 1876 The model maker Marcus Sommer Sr., born 14.11.1845, founded the company in Sonneberg, Thuringia. 1876 In Sonneberg, Marcus Sommer begins producing anatomical models for learning, which at that time were made with papier-mâché. 1880. Manufacture of a wide range of fruit models, in coordination with the Deutsche Pomologenverein (German Pomology Association). 1890 Creation of a collection of plastic mushroom models and continuation of the mushroom model collection existing since 1871 by H. Arnoldi, Gotha, which today numbers more than 240 models. 1895 Fritz Sommer, born in 1879, takes over the company. 1900 Manufacture of a wide range of wax molds resistant to tropical climates.1911 Scientific collaboration and advice from Paul Hagedorn, first preparer of the Leipzig Anatomical Institute. 1927 Start of the commercial relationship with Adam, Rouilly Ltd., London, Great Britain. 1929 Incorporation of the model maker Max Döhler. Over its 52 years of collaboration, Somso’s anatomical, zoological, and botanical models were expanded and improved.

DESCRIPTION:
Impressive didactic anatomical model of a male torso 108 cm tall, manufactured by SOMSO in Coburg / Sonneberg, Germany, ca. 1900-1920.
Complete torso model, with a half-head detachable to show brain and skull in sagittal cut, open thorax with lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, aorta, diaphragm and detachable intestinal package. Wooden base painted white with original SOMSO metal plate.
Technique: Papier-mâché, plaster and hand-painted polychrome stucco, with handwritten ink numbering for teaching use. Each organ painted with high anatomical realism and numbered.
Measurements: 108 cm high x approx. 45 cm wide. Base 40 x 30 cm.
Condition: Incomplete, as seen in photos – missing arms, part of the small intestine, stomach complete and some minor organs. Shows losses of polychromy, chipping and wear from teaching use on back and buttocks. Numbering visible. Nevertheless, a magnificent decorative and didactic value. The preserved organs (brain, right lung with bronchi, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen) are complete and with their original metal hooks and springs.
It is the large SOMSO model, the most sought after for decorating a medical office, industrial loft, and shops.
HISTORY OF SOMSO -
Founded on 07/17/1876 by Marcus Sommer Sr. (born 14.11.1845) in Sonneberg, Thuringia, for the manufacture of anatomical models that were then made exclusively in papier-mâché, all handmade. In 1895 it was acquired by his son Fritz Sommer (born 1879). In 1900 it manufactured a wide range of wax molds resistant to tropical climates. In 1911 scientific collaboration with Paul Hagedorn, first preparer of the Leipzig Anatomical Institute. In 1927 commercial relationship with Adam, Rouilly Ltd., London. In 1929 incorporation of model maker Max Döhler - 52 years of collaboration expanding anatomical, zoological and botanical models. 
Stage 1900-1929, still in papier-mâché / plaster, before the invention of SOMSO-Plast in the 1950s. That is why it is more valuable than modern plastic ones.
DISPLAY PIECES of Antique Models

1. Selling Antiques UK - Rare 19th Century model: "Rare 19th Century anatomical didactic abdominal wall and pelvis model. High quality polychrome hand painted + annotated plaster and papier mâché model... Probably German, by Sommer (later known as Somso). The torso can be divided into 2 halves and some pieces can be removed." - Sale price: £1,795 / $2,196 / €2,132 - Same material as the one listed for sale 
2. Burstow & Hewett UK Auctions: Human Anatomy: A 1920s educational anatomical model torso by Somso that was once used in a medical school... The composition plaster torso is mounted on a wooden base and has removable organs - Hammer: £500 - 70cm 
3. Chiswick Auctions London - The Curious to the Extraordinary: A 1940's-50's MALE ANATOMICAL MODEL probably German, the half length painted papier mache figure with removable organs, half of his head showing the skull, with small metal hooks, on a painted wood rectangular plinth... 81cm high - Provenance: purchased by the owner on July 2, 2002 from Christie's South Kensington. - Similar type but smaller.
4. Dorotheum Vienna: Marcus Sommer (SOMSO) Coburg circa 1930, Plaster/Paper-mache colorfully painted - Anatomical Kidney Model - Starting bid: EUR 100.- / EUR 120.- / EUR 150.- 
5. International market 1stDibs / Etsy: Exceptional antique SOMSO Human Head, Median Section anatomy model: vintage anatomical plaster object original 1880s German medical oddity - $929.37 / Vintage HUMAN TORSO Somso Educational Model - $900.08 / Great female anatomical torso by SOMSO, circa 1920 - $3,550 List Price
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
• SOMSO Modelle GmbH - Company History - Since 1876 - somso.de
• Schnalke, Thomas - Diseases in Wax: The History of Medical Moulage
• Hagens, Gunther von - Body Worlds and SOMSO anatomical models
• Dorotheum Auction House - Archive Anatomical Models SOMSO 1930
• Burstow & Hewett & Chiswick Auctions - Provenance Christie's South Kensington anatomical models
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
• SOMSO Modelle GmbH - Company History - Since 1876 - somso.de
• Schnalke, Thomas - Diseases in Wax: The History of Medical Moulage
• Hagens, Gunther von - Body Worlds and SOMSO anatomical models
• Dorotheum Auction House - Archive Anatomical Models SOMSO 1930
• Burstow & Hewett & Chiswick Auctions - Provenance Christie's South Kensington anatomical models