Amputation Surgery Set by H. G.
Kern, c. 1850
Horatio G. Kern, was in
the surgical instrument business in Philadelphia from 1837 to 1893. He
was a contract supplier of instruments to the Union Army during the Civil War.
During the 1860's his location was at 25 N. 6th in Philadelphia, Pa.
Kern sets are wanted to buy. (Information is from
Edmonson; American Surgical Instruments: an Illustrated History):
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H. G. Kern sets are wanted for this collection... complete or partial sets
and instruments
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Horatio G. Kern surgical instrument maker
1837: Filbert St. bel. 8th
1838-42: 7 N. 8th
1843-48: 5 N. 8th
1849-59: 293 High
1860-70: 25 N. 6th
1871-89: 21 N. 6th (joined by Horatio G. Kern, Jr., in 1876; Horatio G.
Kern, Sr., dies in 1889)
1890-92: 122 S. 12th
surgical instruments
This is an early example of a famous
Philadelphia maker who later was a contract supplier during the Civil War for
the Union Army. The rosewood case with ornate inlayed brass cartouche,
measures (16.5 x 9.5 x 2.5 in.). The interior is lined with red velvet.
The ferrules of the amputation knives and metacarpal saw are unique in that they
are steel and dissimilar from the metal of the blades. I have not seen
this configuration before.
Note the heavy handles on the amputation
knives, typical of this earlier era. The blades at this point are no
longer blunt on the ends or curved, but are now straight as would be found on
later, Civil War era knives.
 
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