American Civil War Medicine & Surgical Antiques

Surgical Set collection from 1860 to 1865 - Civilian and Military

Civil War: Medicine, Surgeon Education & Medical Textbooks

Dr. Doug Arbittier

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A Comparison of 1850's and 1860's Gemrig Surgical Set

Comparing similar sets which are close in age can be a very learning experience. Examining these two sets which were made on either side of the Civil War is very interesting to see the similarities and differences.

The knives are about the same size and design in both eras, however the handles are heavier on the earlier 1850's set and thinner on the later 1860's set.

The 1860's capital and metacarpal saws are smaller in size than the earlier versions from the late 1850's.

Note the variation in the tourniquets, the earlier type has a heavy brass frame buckle, the later one does not have that feature. The bone forceps are very different as are the blades and handles of the capital saws.

See an 1866 Gemrig catalog with diagrams of instruments.

Links to additional photos 1860's set   1850's set

1860's Gemrig

1850's Gemrig

1860's Gemrig

lift out tray

1850's Gemrig

lift out tray

1860's Gemrig

16 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 3 1/8

1850's Gemrig

16 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 3

1860's Gemrig

knife handle is lighter and thinner

1850's Gemrig

knife handle is heavier and thicker

1860's Gemrig

metacarpal saw is smaller

1850's Gemrig

metacarpal saw is larger

1860's Gemrig

capital saw is smaller

1850's Gemrig

capital saw is larger with slots

1860's Gemrig

later smoother handle design

1850's Gemrig

earlier more ornate 'English' style design

1860's Gemrig

tourniquet with no brass buckle blued prongs

1850's Gemrig

tourniquet with brass buckle brass prongs

1860's Gemrig

later and larger Liston style bone forceps

1850's Gemrig

earlier and smaller Satterlee's bone forceps

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American Civil War Medicine & Surgical Antiques

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Last update: Tuesday, July 16, 2024