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Have a question? Contact Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Uterine and anal pessaries were in use in the early 1900s. Both size and shape of the pessary varied considerably. Pessaries were often round ('ring' pessaries) or irregular shape, depending on the maker. The name of the pessarty was usually that of the inventor.
Pessary. Intra-uterine contraceptive device, consisting of red rubber outer covering over wire or vulcanite in an irregular shape. Most likely hand made. Inscribed "PATENTED" at .
This piece is likely African in origin.
Serpentine stone sculpture of a mother and child, carved from a single piece of stone. Sculpture depicts of two semi-abstract figures, one big and one small, joined at the arms and the base. Made of dark coloured stone.
This piece may originally have been Indian in origin. It was purchased by the donor at the Oxford Street Market in Paddington, Sydney.
Small ceramic figurine of a woman giving birth, attended by a doctor. Scene depicts a woman in a white gown lying on her back an obstetric table, with her knees up and feet flat on the table. A doctor dressed in white is sitting on a chair at the end of the table, between the patients legs, with arms raised ready to receive a baby. Both figures in the scene have brown skin and black hair. A word is engraved on the underside of the base of the figurine, which may be the name of the artist, but it is illegible.
obstetric delivery
Michael Ricker was a renowned American pewter artist. His most famous piece, entitled 'Park City', was a 30 foot by 10 foot miniature town depicting life at the turn of the 19th century. It was completed in 1986 and presented to former President Gerald Ford. Ford graciously accepted the "key" to Park City and promised a home for the masterpiece in the Smithsonian Institute. (foundantique.com)
Pewter sculpture featuring an obstetrician and an antenatal patient. A pregnant woman is lying on a low bench, with her left hand resting on her stomach, and her right arm by her side. She is wearing a dress and shoes, and has her eyes closed. To her right stands the figure of on obstetrician, wearing trousers, a short sleeved shirt, stethoscope and gloves. He is standing straight with his arms at his sides. The entire sculpture is silver in colour.
obstetrics
This is a rare and hazardous obstetric complication, occurring approximately once every 90000 deliveries. It usually results in a low survival rate for the twin that presents first, with a stillborn rate over 50%. This piece is believed to be from South America, and is either from Colombia or Peru.
Ceramic childbirth scene with three figures. At centre, a woman lies on a table giving birth. A figure wearing a hat stands to her right, resting their hand on her upper chest in a gesture of support. On her left, a gloved man with receding hairline and a moustache is leaning over her abdomen and is extracting two babies from her womb.
obstetric delivery
This piece bears an export mark associated with Arnart Imports. Arnart was an importer and distributor, rather than a manufacturer. It is likely that this is a Pucci porcelain piece, distibuted and sold by Arnart.
Porcelain figurine of a male doctor holding a newborn baby. The figure has grey hair and is wearing an unbuttoned white surgical gown. Beneath the gown the figure is wearing brown, striped trousers, a blue shirt, a red tie and black shoes. The buttons on the shirt and his belt buckle are golden coloured. The figure is wearing gold framed glasses with round frames, and is smiling. The figure is standing with his left hand in the pocket of his surgical coat, while holding a baby in his right hand by its left leg. The baby is head down and facing away from the doctor figure. The figurine is standing on a oval shaped base and there is a gold coloured, abstract, decorative embellishment at the front of the base. There is a stamp on the underside of the base of the figurine consisting of the letter 'A' below a stylised crown. The number '44/768' is printed on the base below this stamp. A retail sale tag is tied to the right arm of the doctor figure with a small piee of orange ribbon. The tag reads 'TREASURES/TODAY/HEIRLOOMS/TOMORROW'.
Standing figurine of an obstetrician holding a baby. The figurine is made of felt, likely with a wire frame. The obstetrician is wearing full linen surgical attire, with white trousers, surgical gown, and surgical cap. The surgical gown has a large pocket at the front, containing a set or forceps. The obstetrician has black, curly hair, blue eyes and is wearing wire framed glasses. The baby is being held at head height, with ankles being held in the left and and the baby's upper legs being held in the right. The obstetrician's head is bent backwards as if the obstetrician is examining the baby's legs or ankles. The baby has curly pink hair.
non-fiction
healthcare
George Zoltan Lefton, a Hungarian immigrant who came to the United States in 1939, was the driving force behind Lefton China. Although he began his career in clothing and sportswear, his porcelain collecting interest led to the formation of the Lefton Company in 1940. Headquartered in Chicago, the company was a wholesale and marketer of ceramic goods. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Lefton helped his friend Nunome, a Japanese American, board up his business to avoid looting. When the war ended, Nunome introduced Lefton to Japanese ceramic manufacturers during the Japanese occupation. Lefton was one of the first American businessmen to work with these manufacturers. (WorthPoint)
Porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The doctor has black hair, is of male appearance, and is dressed in surgical attire, consisting of a short sleeved white surgical gown and cap, brown trousers and black and white shoes. There is a glove protruding from the pocket of the gown at the left hip. The doctor is holding a baby by its ankles in his left hand, and is holding his right hand against the baby's bottom. The baby is crying. The figure is seated on the edge of a stool, and standing on a brown coloured base. There is a copyright symbol (a c inside a circle) printed on the underside of the base of the statue, along with the text 'geo.z.Lefton/THE O.B.' Sticker attached to underside of base reads 'Lefton/TRADE MARK/EXCLUSIVES/JAPAN'.
obstetrics
Enduron (methylclothiazide) was a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Its use has been discontinued. This object was likely produced as a promotional item by the manufacturers of Enduron.
Porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The doctor has brown hair, is of male appearance, and is dressed in surgical attire, consisting of a white surgical gown and cap. There are some areas of blue detailing on the gown. Blue trouser cuffs and black shoes are visible below the gown. The doctor is holding a baby by its ankles in his left hand, and is holding his right hand against the baby's bottom. The baby is facing to the side, head pointing towards the ground. The figure is standing on a square plinth. Writing printed on the front of the plinth reads 'OBSTETRICIAN/"I just delivered/a president." Writing printed on either side of the plinth reads 'ENDURON/methylclothiazide'. Writing printed on the back of the plinth reads 'ABBOTT 1972'. Sticker attached to underside of statue reads 'THE COBID CORP'.
obstetrics
The writing is unclear, but the name of the artist for this piece may be Bessi.
Colourful porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a monkey. The doctorhas yellow hair and is wearing a white coat, with a white substance on their hands resembling gloves. They are wearing bright green and orange striped pants below the gown, and green high heeled shoes. The doctor is holding a monkey by its ankles in their left hand, and is holding the palm of his right hand on the monkey's bottom. The doctor is standing behind a small white crib, which is covered with a blue and white patterned blanket. The maker's name 'BESSI'(?) and the word 'ITALY' are hand painted on the underside of the crib.
obstetrics
Porcelain bisque figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The doctor is male, with brown hair and a moustache. He is wearing a white surgical gown and cap, with brown trouser cuffs and black shoes visible below the gown. The doctor is holding a baby by its ankles in his left hand, and is holding his right hand with the palm facing towards the baby. The baby is facing the doctor, head pointing towards the ground. The figure is supported by a plinth behind the right leg, and is standing on a flat, sandy coloured base.
obstetrics
The origin of this statue is unknown, but it may possibly be German.
Carved wooden figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The doctor is male, and is wearing spectacles and full surgical attire, consisting of a green surgical gown and cap, with a white surgical mask. Brown trouser cuffs and black shoes are visible below the gown. The doctor is holding a baby by its ankles in his left hand, and is holding his right hand as if about to pat hit the baby on the bottom. The baby is facing the doctor, head pointing towards the ground. Sticker on base of figurine bears the handwritten initials 'MW'.
obstetrics
Wooden statuette of a doctor. The statuette depicts a male figure in a white coat, with a blue tie, pant cuffs and dark coloured shoes visible beneath the coat. The man has a brown beard and a receding hairline. He is holding a large syringe under his right arm, and is wearing a stethoscope which extends from both ears and is being held in his left hand.
This is a German made figurine, attributed to Jaschke Pretzl. Loosely translated, the label text on the figurine says 'Gynaecologist' and 'Commit to the women tenderly!'. Stamp printed on underside of base says that this is a hand-carved figure.
Carved wooden figurine. Depicts a man in a white coat, with grey trousers, a red vest, blue tie, and white shirt collar, standing with his right hand in his pocket. He is holding a document in front of his chest in his left hand. The figure is atop a small wooden base, one side of which carries handwriting that reads 'Frauenarzt/Kommit den Frauen zart entgegen! ' The underside of the plinth is printed with a stamp that reads 'Figur/Handgeschnitzt/hand-carved'.
'Frauenarzt/Kommit den Frauen zart entgegen!'
obstetrics
Glass statuette of a man holding a baby. The man is dressed as a doctor, in white clothing, and has grey hair, a grey beard, and spectacles. He is holding a baby to his chest, with the baby facing towards the man, head pointing down. The man is holding the baby's ankles in his right hand, and the baby's bottom in his left hand.
This paperweight was created as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations for SOGC (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada) in 1994.
Marble paperweight in the shape of a rounded square. Front of paperweight is engraved with a head and shoulders image of two Inuit figures, possibly a mother a child, wearing one coat between them and peering out of the same hood. The paperweight is signed by the artist at bottom right of front of paperweight. Back of paperweight is engraved with the text 'SOGC/1944-1994'. Bottom right of back of paperweight is signed by the artist, alongside the engraved words 'Quebec/Canada'.
The image at the centre of this plaque is the logo of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG). ACOG was founded in 1951, the date featured on this plaque.
Rectangular glass plaque. Centre of plaque features as image of a female figure in a cape, crouching down and holding a baby over her head. The number '1951' in engrave on the plaque to the left of this image. Text encircling this image reads 'THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS/ WOMEN's HEALTH CARE PHYSICIANS.'
Part of a large collection of items relating to Dr Paul Mitchell.
Brown leather suitcase. The case is reinforced at each corner, and fastened with spring latches at the front. The case is empty, and the inner surfaces of the case are black.
When acquired, this case held numerous pieces of surgical laparoscopy equipment. The equipment inside the case was used by Dr Noel Clarkson Holmes sometime between 1964-1967, when he was training under Dr Sidney Page at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. This case was purchased at the same time to carry this equipment, and has been repaired several times by Dr Clarkson Holmes.
Brown leather briefcase. Briefcase is fastened by combination lock latches at the front. Inside of the case is lined with yellow felt. There are three accordion style storage pockets with leather trim inside the lid of the briefcase. A strip of orange tape has been attached to the outer top of the case, which carries the handwriting 'DR. N. HOLMES'. A similar strip of white tape is also attached to one side of the briefcase, which carries the handwriting 'Dr. N Holmes'
This sculpture was completed by British artist Gale Pitt as part of a commission.
Sculpture of an obstetrical examination in glazed white ceramic. In the scene, a woman lies on a bed in a gown, whilst a male doctor stands with his hands on her stomach. The doctor has a moustache and is wearing a suit.
This sculpture was completed by British artist Gale Pitt as part of a commission.
Sculpture of a delivery room scene in glazed white ceramic. In the scene, a woman lies on a bed in a gown, whilst a doctor stands next to her holding a baby. The doctor is in surgical attire and wearing a gown, cap and mask.
This piece was made in Japan and bears an export mark associated with Arnart Imports (N with a stylised crown). Arnart was an importer and distributor, rather than a manufacturer.
Porcelain figurine of a male doctor holding a newborn baby. The doctor has brown hair and a moustache and is in surgical attire, with a white gown and white surgical hat. The cuffs of his blue trousers, and his brown shoes, are visible below the gown, and a blue jacket is visible through the gaps in the back of the gown. The doctor is holding the baby upside down by its legs, with his left fand around its calves, and is holding his right hand as if to tap the baby on the bottom. The figurine is standing on a white base decorated with green and black stripes, and is supported by a rectangular block which sits behind the figure. There is a gold coloured, floral decoration at the front of the base. There is a stamp on the underside of the base of the figurine consisting of the letter 'N' below a stylised crown. The number '3446/2' is handwritten on a sticker on the underside of the base. A second, oval shaped sticker is printed with the text 'Made in Japan'.
Bisque porcelain figurine of a male doctor holding a medical instrument. The doctor has grey hair and is in surgical attire, with white gown, gloves, surgical hat and mask. The cuffs of his brown trousers, and his black shoes, are visible below the gown. The doctor is wearing glasses on the end of his nose, and holds a surgical tool in his right hand. The figurine is standing on a base with a painted green stripe across the centre, and is supported by a pillar at the back which is decorated with decorative orange and black squiggly lines. Orange and black squiggly lines also feature on the front of the base. Handwritten lettering on a sticker on underside of base reads 'FF'.
This is a German made figurine, attributed to Jaschke Pretzl. Loosely translated, the label text on the figurine says 'Neurologist' and 'Out! They're getting on my nerves!'. Stamp printed on underside of base says that this is a hand-carved figure.
Carved wooden figurine. Depicts a man in a white coat, red tie, and glasses, standing with his hands at his side. He has a receding hairline, and a mohawk-like hair style. The figure is atop a small wooden base, one side of which carries handwriting that reads 'Nervenarzt/Raus! Sie gehen mir/auf die Nerven!' The underside of the plinth is printed with a stamp that reads 'Handgeschnitzte/Pretxl/Figur'.
'Nervenarzt/Raus! Sie gehen mir/auf die Nerven!'/'Handgeschnitzte/Pretxl/Figur'
obstetrics
This is a German made figurine, attributed to Jaschke Pretzl. Loosely translated, the label text on the figurine says 'Obstetrician', that the birth was happy, and that the father and child are well. Stamp printed on underside of base says that this is a hand-carved figure.
Carved wooden figurine. Depicts a man in a white coat and glasses, with a receding hairline, holding a baby. He is holding the baby's legs in his left hand, and supporting the baby's back and neck with his right hand. The figure is atop a small wooden plinth, one side of which carries handwriting that reads 'Geburtshelfer/Geburt glucklich verlan fen,/Vater und Kind wohlanf!' The underside of the plinth is printed with a stamp that reads 'Handgeschnitzte/ Figur'. There is a third word at the centre of the stamp on the underside of the figurine, but it has faded and is illegible.
'Geburtshelfer/Geburt glucklich verlan fen,/Vater und Kind wohlanf!'/'Handgeschnitzte/ Figur'
obstetrics
This dilator is labelled as being from the rooms of Dr Graeme McLeish.
Hollow glass cone which flares to a rim at base. There is an indent in the glass just above the rim on one side.
intrauterine device
This dilator is labelled as being from the rooms of Dr Graeme McLeish.
Tapered cone made of hollow glass which flares to a rim at base. There is an indent in the glass just above the rim on one side.
intrauterine device
This dilator is labelled as being from the rooms of Dr Graeme McLeish.
Hollow glass cone which flares to a rim at base. There is an indent in the glass just above the rim on one side.
intrauterine device
This dilator is labelled as being from the rooms of Dr Graeme McLeish.
Hollow glass cone which flares to a rim at base. There is an indent in the glass just above the rim on one side.
intrauterine device
This dilator is labelled as being from the rooms of Dr Graeme McLeish.
Hollow glass cone which flares to a rim at base. There is an indent in the glass just above the rim on one side.
intrauterine device
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
