Medical Badge [Rod of Asclepius]

Object detail

Accession number

2006.145

Maker

J R Gaunt and Son Limited

Description

Badge with pair of outspread wings and a crown on top. A pair of snakes are intertwined around a rod in the centre between the wings. On the back of the badge are 2 loops through which passes a split pin for attaching onto the uniform. It is relatively common, especially in the United States, to find the caduceus, with its two snakes and wings, used as a symbol of medicine instead of the correct 'Rod of Asclepius', with only a single snake. This usage is erroneous, popularised largely as a result of the adoption of the caduceus as its insignia by the US Army medical corps in 1902.

Marks

JRGAUNT LONDON Embossed

Media/Materials

Processed Material/Metal/Alloy/Copper Alloy/Brass

Credit Line

J R Gaunt and Son Limited. Medical Badge [Rod of Asclepius], 2006.145. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).

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Classification

Insignia Badge, Insignia Communication Artefacts Personal Symbols Status Symbols

Production place

London Greater London England Great Britain British Isles Europe Great Britain United Kingdom

Collection type

Air and Space Transport

Subject auto tags

Gold Cross Religious item Artifact Material property Symbol Crucifix Font Jewellery Metal

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