Medical Equipment Value & Price Guide

Medical equipment collectibles offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of healthcare, ranging from early diagnostic tools to mid-century industrial design. These artifacts appeal to history buffs, medical professionals, and interior designers looking for unique conversation pieces.

Price Range: $118 - $130 based on recent sales

History of Medical Equipment

The history of medical equipment reflects the rapid advancement of science from the 19th-century industrial revolution through the technological booms of the mid-20th century. Early pieces, such as monaural stethoscopes from the 1800s, represent a transition from primitive observation to specialized diagnostic instruments. During World War II, innovations like the Eames molded plywood leg splint showcased how medical necessity could drive breakthroughs in both healthcare and modern furniture design. As medicine became more standardized in the 1950s and 60s, equipment transitioned from ornate wood and brass to the sleek chrome and enamel finishes seen in vintage dental chairs and scales.

Value Factors for Medical Equipment

The typical price range for Medical Equipment is $118 - $130 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material quality, such as the use of brass, early plastics, or specialized woods like mahogany.
• Historical significance, particularly items associated with specific medical breakthroughs or famous designers like Charles Eames.
• Condition and completeness, including the state of original finishes and the presence of all modular attachments.
• Rarity of the specific model, especially for early 19th-century instruments that predated mass production.

Tips for Buying Medical Equipment

• Verify the presence of original glass components or mercury, as these are often broken or missing in vintage diagnostic tools.
• Check for maker's marks from reputable manufacturers like Bauman or Jones, which can significantly impact the item's authenticity and value.
• Ensure that any mechanical parts, such as the hinges on dental chairs or the pumps on sphygmomanometers, are still functional or restorable.
• Prioritize items with original carrying cases or instructional manuals, as these complete sets are highly prized by serious collectors.

Items in This Collection

• Aneroid Sphygmomanometer
• Physician's Scale
• Vintage Syringe
• Eames Leg Splint
• Jones Specialized Male Urinal
• Jones Relax Bed Pan
• Arnold Steam Sterilizer
• Invalid Feeder Value & Price Guide
• Mercurial Sphygmomanometer
• Vintage Dental Chair
• Monaural Stethoscope
• Baumanometer Blood Pressure Monitor
• Anatomical Torso Model
• Beltone Model 119 Audiometer