1870's Shepard and Dudley Surgical Set

An 1870's Shepard and Dudley Amputation Set.  Shepard and Dudley were instrument makers in New York from 1870 until the late 1890's.  Shepard and Dudley were NOT instrument makers during or before the Civil War. 

The location and dates of Shepard and Dudley are very confusing.  As can be seen below, they are shown as being in business during the 1860's as well as during the Civil War, but there is no proof they produced sets for the Union during the War.  I prefer to list them as making sets well after the War for civilian use.   See the documents on this date about Shepard and Dudley from Edmonson and other references. 

Shepard & Dudley, 1860-1894

Rubber Clothing Co. [also listed as F. M & W A. Shepard in

advertisements] (Frederick M. & William A. Shepard)

1860-70: 347 Broadway & 150 William 

(Note: Edmonson says they were not in the instrument business at this time, during 1860 to 70 they made rubber goods, syringes, etc.)

 

Shepard and Dudley were not instrument makers during the Civil War.

Shepard & Dudley (Frederick M. Shepard and Francis D. Dudley) surgical instruments

1870-75: 150 William

1876-77: 150 William and 33 Gold

1878-94: 150 William

 

Reference: Edmonson

This exact same type of set is shown in Dr. Dammann's 'A Pictorial Encyclopedia of Civil War Medical Instruments'; Volume I, page 22.    Dammann dates his set at 1862.  There is no reason to believe this is true given the dates and information in Edmonson's book and other information which is now available on the internet via Google's Books.

A similar, but later set is shown in Edmonson's book on American Surgical Instruments, page 84.  The difference in the two sets can be seen in the handles of the capital saws.  The handle on this particular capital amputation bone saw is the much earlier style. 

Note the maker marks.  Interesting variations in one set from this maker.

   

 

 

 

      Maker name on knife handles      Maker name on bone forceps with logo

 

Maker name on bone file

 

 

Note the blued buckle and prongs and no name on the frame

 

 

 

 

Indexes: General Medical Antiques  |  Civil War Surgical Antiques

 

Alphabetical Index for Civil War Surgical Antiques

Arbittier Museum of Medical History Tour: 1  |  2  |  3

Follow on Instagram@medical.antiques  | Contact

"MedicalAntiques.com" is a registered domain.  Photos are copyrighted 1998 - 2025.   No use of content on any other Web site without specific permission from Dr. Arbittier.  Students may use content without direct permission for homework assignments.