19th C Surgical Case, Wood/Brass, with instruments

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This is an Antique Brass bound Wood Surgical Case which I believe to date somew between 1870s and 1890s. I am certainly not an expert, but it is very similar to another case I have which is dated 1874. The case itself is 17 1/4" x 9 1/4" x 3 1/4". The brass banding goes entirely over the back, top and front. It extends about an inch on the bottom. The case has an oval brass plate on the top but t is no engraving. The hinges are also brass. T are two latches, one on either end that holds the case shut (see photo) and a lock. Sorry, I do not have the key. The wood is dove-tailed on the corners and is certainly has its "distressed" marks from over the years, but is nicely intact. T is no makers mark on the case itself that I have found. I'm questioning that it was made by DOWN BROS. of LONDON. Please see Bow Saw description below. The instruments came with the case when I purchased it many years ago. They are of different ages, different makers, some are unmarked. 's what I know about them. Bow Saw with black wood handle marked DOWN BROS. LONDON. Because it fits so perfectly in this case, that is why I believe the case may be made by the same company. The saw is 13" x 5" including the handle. It is very similar to Plate 10, pg. 23, Antique Medical Instruments by Elizabeth Bennion, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1979. "Dr. Butcher's saw c.1 860." Also on pg. 314 of Bennion, DOWN BROS Ltd. is listed as being in business 1874 and 1894 at different addresses in London. Extra Blade for bow saw, unmarked. Small Bow Saw Blade , 4" x 1/4", unmarked. Metacarpal Saw , metal, 6 1/2" total, blade 2 5/8", marked Feick Bros. Knife , metal, 11 1/4" total, Blade 6 1/4", unmarked. Scalpel , Curved, metal 6 3/8" total, 2 1/4" blade, marked Milburn?. Scalpel , Ophthalmic?, Cataract? Metal, 4 3/4" total, blace 1/4", marked ALLEN & HANSBURYS LTD ENGLAND. Pg. 305 Bennion, 1856-1878 ALLEN & HANSBURY. Trephine , metal, 4 5/8" x 1, marked Stainless steel, BAILEY, LONDON. Pg. 306 Bennion, Estab.1833 through 1894. Elevator , metal, 5 1/2", unmarked. Cranium Forceps , metal 6 1/4", unmarked, very similar in design to Elevator. Forceps , metal, 6", unmarked. Forceps , metal, 5", marked GEE and Made in Switzerland. Retractor , smooth and rounded, metal without handle. 5" total and retractor itself 3 3/8", unmarked. Curette or Scoop , double, metal 7 1/2", marked S.MAW SON & THOMPSON LONDON. Pg. 325 Bennion, 1870 S.MAW SON & THOMPSON. Catheter , male, metal 10 1/2" long, 1/4" in diameter. Two holes at internal end, two loops on external . Catheter , double curve, metal, 7 1/2", 3/16" diameter, two holes at internal end and one loop on external end. Catheter ?, metal, hollow tube with one hole at tip and loop at the other end. Marked MAYER MELTZER (almost like it was engraved twice). Pg. 325 Bennion, MAYER-MELTZER 1869, 1874. Metal tube , hollow, open one end other end widens, 3 3/4", unmarked. Metal tube , hollow with opening at one end and screw attachment at the other, 2 3/4" long, unmarked. Metal probe , shaped like the male catheter, 9 5/8" total, probe 7 3/4", unmarked. Trocar, with Cannula , minus handle, 3 3/16" total, trocar 2 3/4" long, marked only with the number 4. Handle , small, black checkered wood?, 2 7/8" long, unmarked. Blunt needle with eye , 5 1/4" long. (Not in case with instruments photo.) Curved sharp needle with eye , 2 1/2". (Not in case with instruments photo.) Straight pins with spherical heads, 6 white, 1 clear, 2 black, 2 3/4" long. They are in the original black paper wrapping. (Not in case with instruments photo.) Spool of thick thread , 1 1/4" x 3/4". (Not in case with instruments photo.) I have described the case and all of the instruments as best I can. Again I say that I'm not an expert so if you have any questions, comments or... read more

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