We have always considered and collected these commercial masks and helmets as industries tribal art. Examples can be elegant in their simplicity or bazaar and complex. They are always unique, suprising and filled with personality.
Large Patterson X-Ray Fluoroscope
This particular fluoroscope was manufactured by the Patterson Screen Company of Towanda Pennsylvania, probably in the 1920s or 1930s. Patterson manufactured fluoroscopes as late as the 1950s. When they were in production, Patterson screens were the recognized standard in the U.S. With the x-ray beam on, the physician would stand on the far side of the patient and view the image produced on the fluorescent screen of the fluoroscope. Compared to generating images on x-ray film, the use of the fluoroscope resulted in higher doses to the patient and doctor (who would not otherwise be exposed to the direct beam). The screen on this example consists of a layer of cadmium tungstate deposited on the inside of the glass plate that forms the broad end of the device (Patterson pioneered the use of cadmium tungstate as a replacement for calcium tungstate). The body of the fluoroscope is covered with black leatherette and the viewing port is protected from stray light with a fur-like fabric. The bottom of the scope has a simple bracket for a screw-in handle or floor stand. 13" x 11.5" x 9.25"... Was $350... Now on SALE at... $150
