Items Similar to Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15
Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890
$10,580per set
£8,078.69per set
€9,197.87per set
CA$14,855.99per set
A$16,240.51per set
CHF 8,591.96per set
MX$194,343.76per set
NOK 109,320.33per set
SEK 100,071.70per set
DKK 68,702.43per set
About the Item
Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890
Imported by American Thermo-Ware Co., New York
An extraordinary and exceedingly rare pair of life-sized anatomical manikins, one male and one female, produced circa 1890 and labeled Pilz Anatomical Manikin. Published in Germany and imported exclusively by the American Thermo-Ware Company, New York, these educational models represent one of the most sophisticated chromolithographic teaching aids of the late 19th century.
Each manikin depicts the human form in progressive anatomical layers, beginning with the exterior surface and successively revealing musculature, the skeletal system, vascular pathways, the nervous system, and internal organs. The layers are constructed of chromolithographed paper flaps, mounted on heavy boards with cloth edging, and affixed with metal pivot clips that allow the viewer to “peel back” the anatomy in stages. Conceived for medical instruction, academic demonstration, and traveling exhibitions, these flat manikins bridged the gap between two-dimensional wall charts and sculptural écorché models, offering both clarity and portability.
The pairing of male and female examples is of the highest rarity. Most surviving manikins were issued singly, and few complete sets have endured. Each retains its original publisher’s label, reading:
Pilz Anatomical Manikin, Sole Importers American Thermo-Ware Co., 16 Warren Street, New York, U.S.A. Published in Germany.
Dimensions: 64 in. H × 23 in. W × 1 in. D (each)
Condition: Good overall, with some minor wear and small areas of age-related damage at the edges. The surfaces present beautifully, with vibrant and bold original colors that remain striking and highly legible. Structurally stable, retaining all anatomical layers, pivot clips, and original labels.
Provenance
Significance: Such manikins were prized by medical schools, doctors, and hygienic lecturers during the late 19th century, coinciding with a cultural movement toward public health education and scientific visualization. Their survival today, especially as a matched male–female set, represents a remarkable artifact of both medical history and 19th-century print culture.
Value
Collecting Context: Examples of Pilz and related German anatomical flap charts are represented in major institutions, including the Wellcome Collection (London) and the Dittrick Medical History Center (Cleveland). While rarely encountered, especially as a pair, these life-sized manikins exemplify the ingenuity of 19th-century medical pedagogy and chromolithographic printing.
22" w / 32" h size of folded folio
When open, as shown in Lead image 22" w x 64" h
When in triple formation 66" w x 64" h
Condition Report:
Both manikins are present in good overall condition given their age and fragility, with surfaces retaining vivid and bold original chromolithographic colors that remain highly legible and striking. Each retains all anatomical flap layers, pivoting clips, and the original publisher’s labels from the American Thermo-Ware Co., New York.
Observed Wear:
Expected minor edge wear and abrasions consistent with late 19th-century handling and display.
Some small tears and paper losses at the lower corners and edges of individual flaps.
Areas of light staining, toning, and watermarks primarily at margins, not affecting legibility of the anatomical imagery.
Cloth edging shows fraying and wear, though the structural boards remain stable.
Backing boards exhibit age-related scuffs and discoloration, typical of period materials.
Overall Stability:
Both examples remain structurally sound and displayable, with excellent retention of anatomical detail. Importantly, the mechanical integrity of the flap system is intact—flaps lift and fold properly, allowing full demonstration of the progressive anatomical layers.
Summary:
A highly rare survival in this state of preservation, with honest, age-appropriate wear but no major losses or restoration. The colors are unusually strong for this type, enhancing their educational and decorative impact. The condition is best described as good, original, and untouched, with wear consistent with use as 19th-century teaching tools.
- Dimensions:Height: 62 in (157.48 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:High Victorian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1890s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: T34871stDibs: LU2592346407652
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1996
1stDibs seller since 2017
1,471 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllPair of
Gemini
Twin Frozen Charlie Figures
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 'Gemini' Twin Frozen Charlie Figures
Germany, 20th Century
This pair of 'Gemini' (Pair/Two) Twin Frozen Charlie Figures, originating from Germany in the 20th century, represents a charming and rare find for collectors of antique porcelain dolls and figures. Standing 12.5 inches tall, 5.5 inches wide, and 5 inches deep, each figure is crafted from glazed white porcelain, reminiscent of the iconic frozen Charlotte...
Category
20th Century German Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$956 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of American Bronze Folk Art Maquettes of Hands, Museum Mounted
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of American bronze Folk Art maquettes of hands, museum mounted
Each one realistically cast and modeled, a unique find.
Each one mounted on a iron 4" square pedestal base.
Talle...
Category
Early 20th Century American Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Pair of 18th C. Italian Baroque Neapolitan Crèche Leather Figures of Merchants
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 18th-Century Italian Baroque Neapolitan Crèche Figures of Merchant Men in Leather
A rare and expressive pair of 18th-century Italian Baroque crèche figures, likely originati...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Leather, Wood
19th C. Bronze Anatomical/ Artists Model / Sculpture of a Hand, Signed
Brooks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th-C. Bronze Anatomical/Artists Model/SSculpture of a Hand, Signed 'Brooks'
USA, circa 1875, signed and inscribed 'Brooks'
This remarkable 19th-century American bronze sculpture...
Category
Antique 19th Century American High Victorian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Diminutive Italian Grand Tour Style Models of Two Sandaled Right Feet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Diminutive Italian Grand Tour Style Models of Two Sandaled Right Feet
Italy, Circa 1960s
A delightful and charming pair of diminutive Italian Grand Tour style models of two ...
Category
20th Century Italian Grand Tour Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble
$316 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Greco Roman Tournament Posters of Oskar Schneider
Georg Lurich, Nude
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Greco Roman Tournament Posters of Oskar Schneider & Georg Lurich , Nude
Russia, Pre 1915
The pair of Tsarist Russian Tournament Posters depicting Osk...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Sporting Art Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
$1,196 Sale Price / set
20% Off
You May Also Like
Pair of Vintage Anatomical Models, 1950s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage educational anatomical modells used in a soviet school in the 1950s-1960s.
Can be used as a wall decor or displayed in a curio cabinet.
?
Made out of wood and plaster.
...
Category
Vintage 1950s Latvian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$383 / set
Vintage Human Body Educational Model / Anatomical Model, circa 1940s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fantastic looking vintage anatomical model of a full human body on a black granite base. The height of the model with base (4 cm) is 82 cm.
Unfortunately, removable parts are missing.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Granite
$1,065 Sale Price
28% Off
Vintage Anatomical Model, Man and Woman, 80s 90s Curiosity
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Human Anatomy Model from the 80s, 90s.
Male and Female Figures on a black stand.
The outer casting, such as the individual intestines a...
Category
20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
19th Century German Anatomical Didactic Abdominal
Pelvis Model attr. to Sommer
By Marcus Sommer
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curiosities, Gothic Antique, Anatomical Sculpture.
Antique 19th Century G...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Paint, Paper
Pair of Anatomical Human Muscular Structure Charts by Tanck
Wagelin
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
This pair of Anatomical pictures are part of a series called the Naturalien and Lehrmittel Anatomies and Biologie, by Tanck & Wegelin and considered to be the most accurate anatomica...
Category
20th Century German Posters
Materials
Paint, Paper
19th C Anatomical Didactic Model of a Torso with Removable Organs.
Located in Leuven , BE
Anatomical models have been used for centuries as an adjunct to teaching anatomy, and play an important role in the history of anatomical education. Models became popular over time f...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
