Suction Cup Set, 1920-30

Original set of cupping glasses for medical use, made in France in the first quarter of the 20th century (1920-30). This is a very interesting piece for any collector as it is a remarkable scientific curiosity, a system that became highly popular in the 19th century and the early 20th century. The set is composed of ten cupping glasses with their corresponding valves in their original cardboard box. It also includes two vacuum pumps in great condition and perfect working order. The glasses are well preserved: the valves do not work so this article is just decorative, perfect to become part of a good collection of antiques. Nevertheless the set is complete and boasts a high charm and an unmistakable authenticity, features that turn it into a real museum piece.Cupping therapy is a thousand-year-old technique used by different cultures. It is a traditional Chinese technique that is still very popular. The Arabs also used cupping glasses in their medicine and so did the Egyptians. In Europe and America, cupping therapy started to be applied in the early 19th century. In the original therapy suction was created applying fire inside the glass, but this particular set has a more modern system that eliminates the air inside the glass using a hand pump.The two pumps that come with the cupping glasses set are made of silvery metal. One has a wooden handle, while the other handle is made of purple bakelite. The glasses and the pumps are all stored into a cardboarb box. Printed on the lid we can see the sets market name (ASPIR), a logo in the shape of an octopus and the images of two cupping glasses. In the French text that comes with the images the words sans feu, meaning without fire, stand out. They indicate that these cupping glasses are safer to use both for the practitioner and the patient. Inside the lid there is a label with the logo and some instructions of use.Any collector fond of medical antiques will fall in love with this original and complete set of cupping glasses from the early 20th century.Measurements (Box): Width: 12.2 in/31.5 cm. Height: 3.9 in/10 cm.