Vintage Syringe Value Guide

Period
1940s-1960s
Origin
Germany
Materials
Metal, Bakelite

This vintage German syringe represents a mid-century era of durable veterinary medicine, featuring a robust metal body and distinctive Bakelite handles. These tools were essential for livestock vaccination before the rise of disposable equipment, making them unique artifacts of agricultural history.

What affects the value of Vintage Syringe?

  • Condition of the Bakelite handle, specifically looking for cracks or heat damage to the red and yellow coloring.
  • Mechanical functionality of the plunger and the presence of any original internal seals.
  • Surface oxidation or pitting on the metal body which can decrease the $15-$25 market value.
  • Completeness of the unit, including whether the original needle or storage case is present.

How to Identify Vintage Syringe?

  • Look for the characteristic yellow and red Bakelite handle typical of mid-century German manufacturing.
  • Inspect the metal body for 'Germany' or 'Made in Germany' stamps indicating its 1940s-1960s origin.
  • Verify the heavy-duty construction designed for repeated sterilization and agricultural use.
  • Check for a threaded plunger mechanism and needle attachment point consistent with vintage veterinary designs.

History of Vintage Syringe

Vintage syringes like this one were essential tools in agriculture and veterinary medicine before the advent of modern disposable medical equipment. They were robust, designed for repeated use, and often came in various sizes to administer medication or vaccines to livestock. Their simple, durable construction reflects a period when tools were made to last and be repaired, rather than replaced.

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