Civil War Surgical Amputation Set / SOLD

Description

Civil War Surgical Amputation Set 

 

Impressive Civil War-period surgical amputation set housed in its original fitted mahogany case with red velvet lining and bearing the oval label of G. Tiemann & Co., Manufacturers of Surgical Instruments, 63 Chatham Street, New York. This is the desirable “Civil War” address, they company would move to 67 Chatham St. in 1864. 

 

The set contains a mixture of period surgical instruments, with the large amputation saw and metacarpal saws original to the case. The substantial amputation saw retains its large steel blade and distinctive textured handle, while the smaller metacarpal saws and associated instruments illustrate the specialized tools carried by surgeons for the treatment of severe battlefield wounds. Additional scalpels, knives, probes, scissors and other surgical implements have been assembled with the set over its long history and should not all be considered original to the case. 

 

The fitted interior remains remarkably preserved, with individual velvet-lined compartments designed to secure the surgeon’s instruments in the field. The original Tiemann maker’s label is especially desirable. George Tiemann & Co. was one of America’s premier manufacturers of surgical instruments and an important supplier during the Civil War era. 

 

A visually powerful and increasingly difficult-to-find example of Civil War surgical equipment, retaining the all-important original case together with its original amputation and metacarpal saws. An excellent medical display illustrating the harsh realities faced by Civil War surgeons and their patients. 

 

Inventory Number: MED 344