Historical information
These type of safety pins were commonly used in hospitals between 1930- 1960.
Pins such as these were advertised for sale as "Hospital and Sick Room Sundries" and were generally supplied in boxes of 12 dozen (144). The pins were supplied in sizes ranging from 0 to 6 - the pins catalogued here are sizes 4,5, and 6.
Significance
Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated his obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.
Physical description
Three nickel plated safety pins (.1 - .3) of differing sizes. .1 is size 4, .2 is size 5, and .3 is size 6.
References
- Felton, Grimwade & Deurdins catalogue - Surgical items - page A/249. The pins are similar to those advertised in Felton Grimwade & Deurdins catalogue 1934 and 1948.