This extremely rare and
historic military surgical set in a mahogany case made by William R. Goulding, New York.
William R. Goulding surgical instruments; surgical and dental
instruments (1844)
1837-38: 166 Rivington
1839: 33 1/2 Chatham,
h. 166 Rivington
1840-41: 35 1/2
Chatham, h 166 Rivington
[also listed as Wm. R.
Goulding & Co., 35 Ih Chatham, in 1841-42]
1842-43: 58 Gold, h. 66
Gold
1844: 35 1/2 Chatham
and 29 Ann ("steam manufactory") 1845-49: 57 Chatham and 29 Ann
Reference
Edmonson
The instruments of the set are marked W. R. Goulding and US ARMY HOSP DEPT.
The set was supplied to the U. S. A. Medical Department at the time of the
Mexican War during the late 1840's. Its history and use are written all
over the instruments and case. This is obviously a set which saw much
military use.
One small knife is missing as is the bone brush. This same
surgery
set is exhibited on page 77 of Edmonson's book:
American
Surgical Instruments: an illustrated history.
Note the amputation saw
has an unusual decorative brass frame. The various instruments
have isolated heavy rust which is due to blood having been left on
them. The set shows obvious use and is an extremely rare piece of our
military history.
Please also see the Goulding c. 1840's
military trephination
set.
William Goulding, click here for
additional information
Click on photos to enlarge
The conical trephine and turned
handle are pre-1850 features
Note the U. S. Army Hospital Dept.
markings...so rare, so rare
Matching ferrules are a key
indication of the fact all knives are from the same time period and maker
The 'rust' on the
blades and other instruments is not from water, but
from blood. The blood stuck to the metal,
the salt etched the metal, and caused electrolytic
corrosion which appears thread-like as in heat
'lightening'.
Note the U. S. Army Hospital Dept.
marking on the 'T'.
