American Civil War Surgical Antiques

Research - Identification - Consultations

Civil War Era Surgical Kits, Surgeon's Swords & Images

Civil War Surgical & Medical Books

Established 1995

 

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Wanted to Buy List

Pre-1865: Surgery Sets, Medical Textbooks, Medical College Lecture Cards

The Private Collections of

Dr. Michael Echols

Evaluations & Consultations

Provided at No-Charge for Pre-1865 Surgery Sets, Instruments, Medical Textbooks

 

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):

H. G. Kern sets are wanted for this collection... complete or partial sets and instruments

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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American Civil War Surgical Antiques 

Research notes and a private collection

 Pre-1865 Civilian & Civil War Military Surgical Antiques

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Site last updated: Friday, May 09, 2008