An unusual, early, and
RARE military
trepanning set by Hernstein & Son, New York City, N.Y. Set marked 'U.S.A.'.(U.
S. Army). Most likely a very early war set. Carries maker marks
for both H. Hernstein and Hernstein & Son. , testimony to its early origins.
All original, no replacements or substitutions.
Hernstein & Son (Civil War supplier to the Union Army Medical & Hospital
Dept.) surgical instruments
1858: 81 Duane, 131 Mercer, and 393 Broadway
1859-61: 131 Mercer and 393
Broadway
Hermann Hernstein & Son (Hermann and Albert L. Hernstein)
1862-65:
131 Mercer and 393 Broadway
Reference:
Edmonson
This Civil War trepanning set
was found with two other Civil War, U.S.A. Hosp. Dept. marked and engraved
sets. What is unusual about this set, is the fact the brass plaque is carefully
marked with an obvious drawing, as would be done at the factory prior to being
engraved, but is was not engraved. It appears
that 'U.S.A.' was hand-drawn on the plate with a thick ink, then lacquered
over, but it was never actually
engraved.
The 'U.S.A.'
(United State Army) drawing is
under the original lacquer, which appears to be undisturbed on the whole set.
It is also not a typical later military set by the usual definition as there is a key escutcheon
and no sliding latches yet. Both types, keyed and sliding latch military
cases are seen in this collection, especially with smaller cases like
this trepanning set.
The mahogany, brass
corner reinforced case measures 2 1/4 x 3 x 9 inches. The
velvet partition is missing. All instruments are original and the
set is solid early (transitional) Civil War military issue, most likely
the first year of the War and before the specifications were issued by
the Medical Department purveyors to the contract suppliers like
Hernstein.
Two sizes kinds of trephine crowns, left is more
cylindrical like earlier trephines
and the right is more tapered like the later Galt
style. More evidence of this being a
transitional set during the first year of the war.
Bone brush with 'sharpening stone' embedded
Marked: 'Hernstein & Son'
Elevator and rasp
Hey saw, marked
'H . Hernstein'
