Vaccination shield
William Cowan
Category
Childcare objects
Date
circa 1850 - circa 1900
Materials
Kid leather, wire, cotton tape, cardboard and paper
Measurements
Shield - 95 mm (length); 70 mm (width), Box - 83 mm (length); 64 mm (width); 43 mm (height), Instructions - 163 mm (length); 62 mm (width)
Place of origin
Stanhope Street, 51
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 662948
Summary
A vaccination shield shaped to fit over a small child's arm (circa 1850 to circa 1900). It consists of a ring with padded sides made from white kid leather. Attached to the sides of the ring are two pairs of white cotton tape ties. A wire mesh is fitted across the padded ring. It is accompanied by its original cardboard box which is maroon in colour. The lid has a printed yellow label on it showing a child wearing the shield while sleeping in bed. Inside the box is a set of instructions. Total number of items is 4.
Marks and inscriptions
On the label on the lid: 'PROTECT YOUR BABY'S ARM/ WITH ONE OF/ COWAN'S/ VACCINATION SHIELDS./ Sold by all Chemists and Druggists.'
Makers and roles
William Cowan, maker