Louis V. Helmold
(elder brother of Otto V. Helmold, Pittsburgh) was located in
Philadelphia, Penn. from 1851 to 1897.
The 127 S. Tenth address on
the maker label of this set would place this set in the 1871-1897 range.
The date inscribed on the brass plate on the 4 x 6 x 15.5 mahogany case is 1886.
Note that
Edmondson's book lists Louis V.
Helmold first as a cutler in 1851 and then as a surgical instrument maker
beginning in
1853. Apparently this was a common transition since many of the instrument
makers were first cutlers who worked with various doctors on designs and then
turned to full time instrument making. Instruments were apparently more
lucrative than sharpening knives.
Louis V. Helmold cutler
1851: 7 Assembly Bldg.
1852: 10th and Walnut
1853-54: 49 S. 10th
surgical instrument maker
1855-57: 45 S. 10th
1858-70: 135 S. 10th
1871-1897: 127 S. 10th
The inscribed name of the
owner is 'Jn. J.
McGuigan.
Name: Dr. John Joseph
McGuigan
Cause of death: hemorrhage, stomach
Death date: Jun 3, 1907
Place of death: Lynn, MA
Birth date: 1864
Type of practice: Allopath
States and years of licenses:MA
Medical school(s): Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1890, (G)
There are three tiers in
this set. The knife blades are nickel plated as are other items in the
set. The tourniquet is made of German silver, rather than brass. The
shaft of the trephine is nickel plated rather than brass. All marked
instruments are maked "L.V. Helmold or Helmold".
