I almost thought it was junk?!!

[diggerbutt]

Found this old hard rubber medical syringe alongside some bottles. I didn't know what it was at first, and I almost trashed it. The only thought that stopped me was that it was found in the same pit with bottles dating 1860s to 1890s. I did some research...it is some kind of 1800s syringe and the plunger still has a leather wrapped end. It is in beautiful condition!! If anyone has addition info. , please share.

 

[jewelerguy]

I think that's a vaginal syringe

 

[diggerbutt]

It might be...I hope it's more like a soldier's wound flusher. Either way it is a great, antique, medical oddity find.

 

[Gaspipe]

Wear gloves

 

[diggerbutt]

Why is it not worthy, gaspipe? Just wondering what you know about these, because the info I came across seems to point in a different direction. You may be correct, but I would like further insight.

 

[Gaspipe]

Just kidding ..... never have seen anything like it. Good to see you are into an older pit. if you find any good bottles post them. I have dug bottles for years got into metal detecting for a change of pace. Lot of old stuff here in New England.

 

[Graysondigger]

It's a thing that did something? LOL! Don't have a clue but very cool. HH!

 

[travelerga]

it looks like an old syringe for mercury, used to treat syphilis. for men.

 

[okerraine]

Congrats on your find. we find them quite often when we're digging privies. Sometimes there will be a patent date on the top round part where the plunger goes in

 

[CoilyGirl]

Very cool find!

 

[diggerbutt]

Ha! It might be a vaginal or male

Okerraine, it doesn't have any markings. It was very difficult to Google, because I didn't know where I should begin. Finally, I hit the right search with old medical syringe pumper. The first images where linked to ebay sales with this sort of item being described as Civil War and Indian War wound flushing syringes. I was happy to hit on images that were identical to my find. I know that it could have been used for flushing almost anything…old medical…is cool for me.

Thanks everyone for the info and congrats!