Details

Cautery Iron

HC.I.16.3

Cautery iron with ebony handle, brass fitting, steel shaft and copper head. The head appears to be not the original due to its unfinished nature and brass solder. It could have been given this shape head for a specific job, while copper was used for improved heat conductivity. 'RIE Ward 7,8,9' stamped on the shaft, as is the maker's mark 'J. Gardner & Son Edinburgh'. HC paper record lists it as being from Wards 11 and 12, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh - either a clerical error or the object source at the time of acquisition.

18th century