breast shield; nipple shell
breast shield; nipple shell
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Usage conditions apply
- Description
- Glass nipple shell with a circular opening in the bottom to fit over the nipple. The shells were secured to the body by binding or clothing. Glass shells were used to collect leaking breast milk and to protect the clothing of nursing women. The milk collected could also be fed to the infant at a later time. A small vent hole on the perimeter was used to drain the shell. Wholesale price per dozen shells as listed in the 1880 Whitall Tatum & Company catalog: 75 cents per dozen.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- breast cup
- breast shield
- nipple shell
- Measurements
- overall: 1 3/8 in x 3 5/8 in; 3.4925 cm x 9.2075 cm
- ID Number
- MG.314016.123
- accession number
- 314016
- catalog number
- 314016.123
- subject
- Women's Health
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Medicine
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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