Partial Snowden & Brother,
Pre-Civil War surgical set, c. 1859-60
This partial Snowden set was most
likely made just prior to the Civil War. It was created for civilian use,
not military. The presence of Galt type crowns on the trephines and the
English style handle on the saw are typical for this time frame. This is
the type of surgery set a contract surgeon would have brought with him during
the Civil War on either side.
Snowden & Brother (George and Henry) were
one of the major suppliers of surgical instruments and military sets to the U.S. Army
Medical Department before and during the Civil War. The heavy bone forceps, a small tissue forceps,
and small scalpel (shown, but missing) are missing so the price is reduced accordingly.
Snowden & Bro. (George P. [1832-?] and Henry C. [1838-?] Snowden become
partners I July 1858; William Snowden [1840
?]
becomes partner I January 1866; Henry C. retires in May,
1872
and sells interest to George) surgical instrument makers
1858-64: 15 N. 5th
1864-72: 23 S. 8th
(Edmonson)
Missing: small tweezer, Satterlee bone forceps, and small scalpel above Hey saw
Scalpel above the tenaculeum on right is missing
Note: some Snowden saws are marked, this one is not
Note:
all blade-handle joints are the same on the knives and Hey saw
Trephine crown is later 'Galt' type
Tourniquet 'T' not marked, but original for sure
Cast iron prongs on tourniquet strap,
typical for Civil War period
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