tongue depressors

[David Meister]

Anyone know where to obtain repro tongue depressors or would I have to find an orriginal? could this be fabricated easily like bullet probes?

[Frederick14Va]

Not personally aware of anyone with period reproductions. They tended to be a novelty item it appears. Only one of my many originial medical kits has one. That one dates to 1856 and is made of flat nickle/silver. Could be fairly easily reproduced using flat hobby plate metal, shaped/filed accordingly, would be lot less expensive than and risk of losing an original. More times than not the surgeon simply used a piece of cloth held between the thumb and forefinger to grasp the end of the tongue for a look-see. Good luck with it..

[Elaine Kessinger]

The handle of a table spoon would also do the job.

[David Meister]

I have seen an original and know who hasit maybe I should borrow and try to copy it

[Corpsman_1st_OVI]

Did a search, found this among others. Seems stiff at $30 but at least it's actual ivory.

http://www.yankeecollector.com/catal...24/9364987.htm

Hope that helps. Never thought of adding a tongue depressor to a kit, yet I don't do a surgeon impression. I would be impressed to see one at a reenactment.