Agent Gallery’s dental phantom in todays New York Times Fall Arts preview discussing the inspiration and process of designing Frankenstein. The dental phantom became an inspirational object that he referenced while sketching how he should look—a very insightful look into the process of art and object. Published in NYT Sunday issue 9/14/25
Remembering Jim Lovell / Adler Planetarium
Mated Pair Bald Eagles Original Work
“Bald Eagle ‘Meghan’ and ‘Harry’ (listed separately) are a mated pair of American Bald Eagles that have nested along Little Rock Creek northwest of Hinckley Illinois for at least five years. Over the last three years they have successfully raised eight Eaglettes to fledge. These photos were taken January 2025 as they were preparing the nest for this years brood…” T.S
Introducing a new collaboration between myself and Tom Schrader, a naturalist and photographer that has been actively documenting wildlife in the Illinois area and nationally.
The image is printed off a large photo negative on an archival 100% cotton rag watercolor paper. The paper is hand coated with the cyanotype photographic solution then exposed / developed, washed and dried. The process of developing the work with UV light creates the unique deep indigo color permanently on the paper and also captures high detail. This is an original photo of the work and each is unique due to the hand coating and washing process.
Explore our rare and important NASA / Langley Models
Two Complete Examples of 1930's and 1940's Operay Multibeam
I was fortunate enough to finally track down two complete examples of the Operay Multi Beam. The earlier model from the 1930’s came from an O.R room in Green Bay Wisconsin, and the explosion proof model came from a hospital in Southern Mississippi. Both these lights are complete with original wiring. It is quite unique and rare to get both of these hard to find historical surgical lamps. We have another 1930’s Operay listed along with our 1940’s explosion proof. Check out the additional photos on each piece.
1930's Operay Multibeam
We have sold this lamp that came out of an O.R in Greenbay Wisconsin, but we have another with nice aged paint that came from Montana—check it out in our ‘Lighting’ Section and also look at the 1940’s Explosion Proof Operay.
Eye Phantom / Ophthalmophantome
We have three versions of the Ophthalmophantome in our medical collectibles section. Check them out while we have them available.
Explosion Proof Operay Multi-beam Scanlan Morris
We have both versions of the Operay Multibeam —the early 1930’s model and the explosion proof version. Check them out in our ‘Lighting’ section
Custom Lighting by Agent Gallery
We fired up the lighting studio up again and brought back our adaptable articulating lamps. These start as a single light and work up to groups 2-5 arms. Each lamp is custom made and you can take a look on our lighting section for options.
Vajen Bader Smoke Helmet C. 1900
The Vajen Bader is a desirable mask in any collection. An inspiring mask that transcends its original use as a fire safety helmet. The leather protective mask is lined in a protective wool layer along with mica lenses used as eye and ear shields— one would enter a burning building with this. The innovation was the air tank that provided a life line of compressed air for a short time. This helmet has had real field use more than once (many notable areas on the mask). The leather is well worn and delicate in areas. There is noticeable soot on the wool liner that is present only in the bottom section as most has come off. The tank and helmet are an original pair and comes engraved with the owners name on the air tank. The tank is the rare larger model as some of these are half the size . Piece dates from 1900 and comes on a custom stand that supports the weight of the tank.
Despite the wear on this piece it has true working character which I have not seen.
NASA PRODUCED ATLANTIS SPACE SHUTTLE MODEL
A very important and rare NASA produced model. Three models were made with a white central booster tank and given to three major news networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS ) for display during shuttle launch programs. Three additional, with orange booster tanks were retained by NASA for internal use. This is only one of of two in private hands. Acquired by an engineer in spring of 1997 in auction it remained in his personal collection until his passing. Auction catalog provenance listing of model is provided. In great overall condition. A few nicks and chips are noted in photos but not distracting. Booster cones have chipping on the back of rocket—the non display side. Very large scale 1/48 measuring 20” x 50” x 10” and mounted on a heavy oak base with engraved placard.
Agent Gallery Featured in Journal of Arts and Antiques
Agent Gallery featured in Journal of Antiques and collectibles print issue May 2019 Medical Art: A spectacle on Display. Many great medical articles in this issue—including civil war medical tools.
Last look at Vajen Bader Smoke Aparatus
The Vajen Bader breathing apparatus is off to a private collection. We had it at Agent Gallery for a few days. Here’s a last look of the construction and design. Mica membranes in the eyes and ears for protection . Interesting to hear and see through a mineral—this piece was ahead of its time.
Agent Gallery Featured in American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Such an honor to be featured on AACD and share our collection with those who put these beautiful objects to practice. Read the feature here: https://www.aacdconference.com/single-post/2017/11/21/Science-Turned-Art-The-Dental-Phantom-Collection-of-Mariano-Chavez
Agent Gallery Featured on Atlas Obscura 11.20.2017
Read the article by clicking on the link here https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/medical-devices-sculpture-mariano-chavez-agent-gallery
Dentiscope Updated Pictures
Our Dentiscope has been put on a vintage scissor bracket and articulating pole. The shade has some wear to it but as you can see it still looks great. Check out more details in the listing.
Iconic AP Eddie Adams Photo recently acquired
There are a handful of images that become so powerful that they become part of our historical timeline. This photo was taken by Eddie Adams in Saigon:
'The General killed the Viet Cong; I killed the general with my camera. Still photographs are the most powerful weapon in the world. People believe them; but photographs do lie, even without manipulation. They are only half-truths. What the photograph didn’t say was, “What would you do if you were the General at that time and place on that hot day, and you caught the so-called bad guy after he blew away one, two or three American soldiers? ' Eddie Adams
C.1938 Operay Multibeam Surgical Light
We have listed this before but this time this one is available for sale. I have one over my dining table. Makes a great functioning piece of art. Currently it is in our print area looking good.
Dentiscope Surgical Lamp by Pittsburgh Electric Specialties Co.
Very rare Dentiscope surgical lamp by Pittsburgh Electric Specialties Co. This was the first electrified medical lamp to replace gas lamps. Probably only the fancy dental offices in 1915 had them since it cost a half years salary acquire. We're in process of mounting this on a stand. More pictures to follow.
Crash Test Manikin Head
I was out hunting for these and I found a few great pieces. The fella that I got these from said he had a mad dash to get a few final pieces from a factory that produced these manikins. He assured me that what he got was usable and the rest was 'trash'--I dunno I hope he was right. I managed to get a robotic leg (sold it in about 30 minutes) and a head. I am surprised that I still have that. I guess if you knew how hard it is to score a crash test dummy you would probably buy this head.