Spinal needle, London, England, 1914-1918

Spinal needle, with trocar, nickel plated brass body, by Bailey and Son, London, military issue, 1914-1918

Hollow, hypodermic needles like this one are used to examine the delicate area of the spine, inject or drain fluids and to administer anaesthetics. Made from nickel-plated steel, the needle has a hollow tapered point, called a trocar, which is for fluids. The needle would have been part of a military surgeon’s equipment during the First World War.