Foldable metal operating table, in three adjustable sections, made by C. Stiefenhofer, a medical instrument supplier in Munich, Germany, for the German military but likely to have been requisitioned by allied forces and re-used in a British medical facility during the First World War, 1914-1918.
Sturdy but flexible, this metal operating table consists of three sections, the top and bottom parts of which can be adjusted into number of different positions to support a patient. The three sections along which the table legs can also be folded up for ease of transport. The lattice-like structure reduces the weight of the metal structure, without a significant loss of strength.
The table was originally described as British and it is believed to have been used in medical facilities – such as Casualty Clearing Stations – during the First World War, 1914-1918. Closer examination of the table revealed that it was made by C. Steifenhofer, a supplier of medical equipment based in Munich, Germany. This suggests that the table may well have been requisitioned during an Allied advance and then re-used in a British medical facility. Such re-purposing of enemy supplies and equipment was a not uncommon practice.
Stiefenhofer continued as a medical supplier to the German military during the Second World War, before finally ceasing trading at the end of the 20th century.
Details
- Category:
- Surgery
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A635085
- type:
- operating tables
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust