This small ( 8 x 3.5 x 1.75 in.)
rosewood cased dissection set by Hernstein & Son is dated by the maker
name "Hernstein & Son" on the all-metal cartilage knife which places it
squarely during the Civil War and the fact the mark shows '& Son', which is only
found in the Civil War
period.
The presence of delicate ivory handled scalpels is typically
pre-War and early War, but the presence of the re-enforcing brass screws
in the lid is over-whelming evidence of Civil War era military issued
sets by this maker. (See an example of this type of
military set lid with screws by Hernstein.)
The lack of a military sliding latch instead
of the brass keyed lock is mysterious as is the lack of engraving on the
brass plate one would expect for a military issued set. It is what it is and in like-new condition, so it may never have been issued
or used.
Hermann
Hernstein & Son (Hermann and Albert L. Hernstein) 1862-65:
131 Mercer and 393 Broadway, New York.
Military-type screws re-enforcement
of the lid, keyed lock, blank name plate
Full
complement of ivory handled scalpels,
tenaculeum,
cartilage knife, blow-pipe, and
tissue forceps (missing scissors)
Note: a blow-pipe
was used to inflate ducts, arteries, veins, hollow
organs (stomach, bladder, gall bladder, etc.) and aided
in seeing where those parts of the body connected or
attached.
"Hernstein" on scalpels.
"Hernstein & Son" marking on cartilage knife (right)
