2002/35

This is a 'director', a veterinary surgical instrument perhaps used for placing in an incision and working through the 'cut-out' section in the head. It was found by the donor at Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle when he purchased the practice in 1951. He was a general vet and horse vet, and treated pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area until he retired in 1975.

1 director: metal (possibly brass); good condition

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'DIRECTOR // Description // 1 director. // Possibly made of brass. // Long thin stem with hollow groove beginning 3cm from bottom. Flat head widening towards top. Length cut-out in middle at top of head, // [pcenil sketch] // Dimensions // 17cm (total length) // head: 3 x 2.2cm (length x max. width) // Associated information // See 2002/27 // Veterinary instrument, perhaps used for placing in incision and working through 'cut-out' section of head. // References // See Illustrated catalogue of veterinary instruments by Krohne & Sesemann, p.35 (TR CXL P2/A1)', MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) [2002/27] – '... // W. G. Blythman was born in 1926 and trained as a vet at Edinburgh from 1943-48. He purchased Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle in 1951 for £1,000. The practice was started by Clement Stephenson in 1918 - one of the first fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Originally, the practice specialised in street horses. It had 10 forges because the business combined a farriery & veterinary practice. // Stephenson financed part of the School of Agriculture at Newcastle University in the early 20th century. He also became Vice-President of the Veterinary Association. // Blythman was a general vet and horse vet. He used to treat pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area. He was also a racecourse vet for 44 years. He retired in 1975.', MERL miscellaneous note - 'Collection of veterinary instruments and associated material // Deposited by William Grant Blythman, BSc, MRCVS, on 7th September 2002 // Acc. No. Name of Item // 2002/35 Director... // These items were found by W. G. Blythman at Ephick's veterinary practice in 1951....'

1918 - 1951