Hall and Hume

Description

Interesting and unusual. These two specimen jars contain the ‘Honey bee life history’ and the ‘May fly’. The specimens are preserved in formaldehyde contained in sealed glass cylinders. Both specimens are prepared by T. Gerrard & Co Ltd, Pentonville Road, London, and date 1880-1910.

As can be seen in the photos, both items are in very good antique condition. The original thick glass cylinders do have air bubbles and imperfections (typical of glass of this age) but there are no chips or cracks. There are loose particles in the formaldehyde and it is a little cloudy after movement but settles clearly. This is entirely normal.

The Honey Bee cylinder measures 23.5 cm tall and has a diameter of 9 cm at the top and bottom. The Mayfly cylinder measures 15.2 cm tall and has a maximum diameter of 6 cm.

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