microtome knife

Date1900-1920

Inventory Number1996-1-0295

ClassificationMicrotome Knife

Subject

Maker Wilhelm Walb Nachfolger founded 1842

User Harvard Medical School founded 1782

Cultural Region

Place of Origin

Dimensionsmicrotome: 3 × 1.7 × 20.1 cm (1 3/16 × 11/16 × 7 15/16 in.)
case: 5.1 × 22 × 5.1 cm (2 × 8 11/16 × 2 in.)

Material

Accessoriescase

DescriptionThis microtome knife has a rectangular steel blade that terminates in a curved handle. The handle is short and covered with hard rubber with diamond-texture pattern. The knife is stored in a wooden case. A bit of cotton padding was found in the case. There are red Xs on the lid of the case.

Signedstamped in ink inside lid: Germany

Inscribedin pencil inside the case lid: H.M.S. Pathology in pencil on the bottom of the box interior and inside lid: 30 blind-stamped on edge of box: 293 blind-stamped on edge of box: 3

Curatorial RemarksThe knife is identical to Wilhelm Walb knives (e.g., inv. 1989-0020) with the exception that the end of the blade is slightly tapered. Being later, it is attributed to Wilhelm Walb Nachfolger.

ProvenanceDepartment of Pathology, Harvard Medical School.

Historical AttributesThis instrument was used in Harvard Medical School for pathology.