Welch Allyn Sphygmomanometer (Wall Mount Aneroid)
Medical Instrument / Industrial Design • Welch Allyn (Manufacturer); industrial design team attributed to the corporate entity.
Style & Movement
Industrial Functionalism; utilitarian design focusing on readability and clinical precision.
Medium & Technique
Assembled industrial materials including plastic housing, glass or acrylic face, printed aluminum dial, rubber tubing, and steel internal gear mechanism.
Creation Period
Early 21st Century (c. 2007 based on date code visible on dial)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6 x 6 inches (face); Square wall-mount format.
Subject Description
A square-faced blood pressure gauge (sphygmomanometer) featuring a black dial with white high-contrast numerical increments (up to 300 mmHg), a red indicator needle, and a black rubber inflation bulb.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible surface grime, dust accumulation, and signs of heavy use in a clinical or storage environment.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $120 (as used medical equipment)
Auction Estimate
$20 - $60
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a medical facility, clinic, or hospital; currently appears to be in a storage or discarded state.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the evolution of diagnostic medical tools in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. While not an 'artwork' in the traditional sense, it signifies the intersection of ergonomic design and medical reliability.
Notable Features
Features 'Jewel Movement' and 'Laser Engraved' dial for accuracy; includes 'Lifetime Certified' branding and a 'Made in Germany' manufacturing mark.
Condition Issues
Scratched faceplate, significant dust/dirt on the frame, potential dry rot or loss of elasticity in the rubber bulb and tubing components.
Conservation Recommendations
Sanitization with medical-grade isopropyl alcohol; replacement of rubber peripherals if intended for functional use; storage in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent further polymer degradation.