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ID #SA1241904
FOR SALE
£895
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Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model
For sale by The House of Antiques
for sale €1,047     $1,137
£895
The House of Antiques

The House of Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2022
Browse dealers 142 items
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Id #SA1241904
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Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

18th century
Description

Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Head Model

An unusual and subtly macabre medical teaching aid from the early 20th century. Handcrafted in modelling wax, it depicts the brain and its nervous system, with exposed areas formed in plaster and carefully hand-painted. Inset glass eyes lend a striking realism and contribute to its haunting character. The piece has undergone extensive repairs, as shown, but remains a rare and intriguing object.

Dimensions

• Height: 9 inches / 22.86 cm

• Width: 7 inches / 17.78 cm

• Depth: 11inches / 27.94 cm

Details

• Designer:

• Date of manufacture: 1920

• Materials: Wax, plaster and glass

• Condition: Aged (repaired damage)

• Wired:

• Origin: France

Condition Report

This older item shows evidence of previous repairs to cracked areas but remains stable. Examination of the interior suggests that a white, plaster-like substance has been moulded inside the head to reinforce the damaged sections and hold them securely together.

Wax indentations, discolouration and some losses to the ears are present. The eyes remain firmly in place, while the hand-painted details show age-related fading. Overall, the repairs appear to provide good support, and the item does not feel fragile.

Every item is inspected and photographed to show its condition as accurately as possible. Our antique and vintage pieces bear individual signs of age and use, which contribute to their history and character. We encourage buyers to review all photographs and contact us with any questions before purchasing.

UK Delivery

Delivery is available through our trusted courier partners, including specialist services for valuable, oversized and fragile furniture. Please contact us for a quotation and delivery arrangements.

International Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. Please contact us before purchasing for a bespoke quotation. Given the age, size and nature of these chairs, we strongly recommend fully insured, tracked shipping with professional packing or crating.

Dispatch

Dispatch is typically arranged within 3–7 working days, subject to destination and courier availability.

Our Commitment

At The House of Antiques Ltd / The Purest Space Ltd, we are committed to clear descriptions, careful inspection and attentive customer service.

Electrical

All items sold should be checked by a professional electrician before use.

Returns & Cancellations

Returns and cancellations are handled in accordance with applicable consumer law. Nothing in our terms affects your statutory rights.

If your item arrives damaged or differs materially from its description, please contact us promptly, ideally within 48 hours of delivery, with photographs so that we can investigate and arrange an appropriate resolution. This requested reporting period does not limit your statutory rights.

Where statutory cancellation rights apply, these will be honoured. Please contact us before arranging a return so that suitable packing, transport and any applicable return costs can be agreed.

Photographic Rights

All photographs and images remain the intellectual property of The House of Antiques Ltd / The Purest Space Ltd. Please contact us in advance regarding licensing, reproduction or publication.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
17cm (6.69")
Depth
27cm (10.63")
Declaration

The House of Antiques has dated this Wax Anatomical Medical Model to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1241904
Dealers Internal Reference
head
Description
Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Head Model

An unusual and subtly macabre medical teaching aid from the early 20th century.

“
Handcrafted in modelling wax, it depicts the brain and its nervous system, with exposed areas formed in plaster and carefully hand-painted.
The House of Antiques

Inset glass eyes lend a striking realism and contribute to its haunting character. The piece has undergone extensive repairs, as shown, but remains a rare and intriguing object.

fig 1. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 1. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

Dimensions

• Height: 9 inches / 22.86 cm

• Width: 7 inches / 17.78 cm

• Depth: 11inches / 27.94 cm

Details

• Designer:

• Date of manufacture: 1920

• Materials: Wax, plaster and glass

• Condition: Aged (repaired damage)

fig 2. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 2. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

• Wired:

• Origin: France

Condition Report

This older item shows evidence of previous repairs to cracked areas but remains stable. Examination of the interior suggests that a white, plaster-like substance has been moulded inside the head to reinforce the damaged sections and hold them securely together.

fig 3. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 3. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

Wax indentations, discolouration and some losses to the ears are present. The eyes remain firmly in place, while the hand-painted details show age-related fading. Overall, the repairs appear to provide good support, and the item does not feel fragile.

fig 4. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 4. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

Every item is inspected and photographed to show its condition as accurately as possible. Our antique and vintage pieces bear individual signs of age and use, which contribute to their history and character. We encourage buyers to review all photographs and contact us with any questions before purchasing.

fig 5. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 5. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

UK Delivery

Delivery is available through our trusted courier partners, including specialist services for valuable, oversized and fragile furniture. Please contact us for a quotation and delivery arrangements.

fig 6. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 6. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

International Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. Please contact us before purchasing for a bespoke quotation. Given the age, size and nature of these chairs, we strongly recommend fully insured, tracked shipping with professional packing or crating.

fig 7. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 7. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

Dispatch

Dispatch is typically arranged within 3–7 working days, subject to destination and courier availability.

Our Commitment

At The House of Antiques Ltd / The Purest Space Ltd, we are committed to clear descriptions, careful inspection and attentive customer service.

fig 8. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 8. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

Electrical

All items sold should be checked by a professional electrician before use.

Returns & Cancellations

Returns and cancellations are handled in accordance with applicable consumer law. Nothing in our terms affects your statutory rights.

fig 9. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 9. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

If your item arrives damaged or differs materially from its description, please contact us promptly, ideally within 48 hours of delivery, with photographs so that we can investigate and arrange an appropriate resolution. This requested reporting period does not limit your statutory rights.

fig 10. An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
fig 10. Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

Where statutory cancellation rights apply, these will be honoured. Please contact us before arranging a return so that suitable packing, transport and any applicable return costs can be agreed.

Photographic Rights

All photographs and images remain the intellectual property of The House of Antiques Ltd / The Purest Space Ltd. Please contact us in advance regarding licensing, reproduction or publication.

Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
17cm (6.69")
Depth
27cm (10.63")
Date of Manufacture

The House of Antiques has dated this Wax Anatomical Medical Model to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1241904
Dealers Internal Ref
head
The House of Antiques
The House of Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2022
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The House of Antiques Profile Page

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An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
1 / 12
Archive I An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.

Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model

Archive II An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View II
Archive III An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View III
Archive IV An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View IV
Archive V An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View V
Archive VI An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View VI
Archive VII An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View VII
Archive VIII An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View VIII
Archive IX An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View IX
Archive X An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View X
Archive XI An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View XI
Archive XII An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
The House of Antiques

The House of Antiques
Telephone 07568 151 752
Location
22 Goodmayes Lane
Ilford
Essex
IG3 9NZ
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/thehouseofantiques
Verified Since Nov 2022
Items For Sale 142
Items Sold 11
The House of Antiques
The House of Antiques
Verified Since Nov 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: 22 Goodmayes Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG3 9NZ, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/thehouseofantiques
Verified
Nov 2022
For Sale
142
Sold
11
An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
Early 20th Century Wax Anatomical Medical Model
Ref: SA1241904
An early 20th-century wax anatomical head model featuring a painted phrenological grid on one side and exposed cranial and ocular structures with glass eyes on the other.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectAnatomical Model
  • Period18th century
  • StyleEarly 20th Century Medical
  • MaterialWax, Glass, Pigment
  • ColourWarm Beige
  • MotifsGlass eyes, Hand-painted vascular details, Phrenological grid lines, Exposed cranial structure
  • SizeH 22 cm (9 in) x W 17 cm (7 in) x D 27 cm (11 in)

This early 20th century wax anatomical medical model is an unusual teaching aid formed from modelling wax, plaster, and glass. The piece is rendered in warm beige tones with hand-painted red and blue vascular details, a black phrenological grid on one side, and exposed cranial and ocular structures featuring inset glass eyes. The surface displays extensive repairs, wax indentations, discolouration, and losses to the ears. Measuring 22 cm high, 17 cm wide, and 27 cm deep, it is suited for display on a bookshelf within a gentleman's library or study today. Placed among books and scientific instruments, the object serves as a striking conversation piece and a curious historical artifact for collectors of medical antiques.

FAQs

Anatomical wax models, also known as ceroplastic moulages, were created from the 17th to the mid-20th century as three-dimensional teaching aids for medical instruction, illustrating human anatomy and medical conditions prior to the widespread use of colour photography.

These models were sculpted using beeswax mixed with resins, tallow, and mineral pigments to replicate human skin and tissue, often incorporating glass eyes or hair for enhanced realism.

Authentic pieces exhibit natural surface patination, fine craquelure within the wax composition, period-appropriate hand-painted details, and integrated hand-blown or early molded glass eyes.

Interior designers present these objects as sculptural curiosities on dark timber shelving, inside glass vitrines, or within cabinet of curiosities displays alongside scientific instruments.

Wax models must be kept away from direct sunlight and thermal sources to prevent deformation, maintained in a stable climate-controlled environment, and dusted gently using a soft dry brush.
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