This rare and complete
surgical set was made by John Cartwright. The address of the company when
this set was made was 83 Wood St. in Pittsburgh, Pa. That narrows down the
date of manufacture from 1847-1850. The handles of these instruments are
heavy ivory. The handle of the capital amputation saw is particularly
unusual and beautiful. It is feathered and still has a great
"feel." The instruments are substantial. This is in direct
contrast to the Cartwright instruments featured on page 296 of
"American Surgical Instruments" by Edmonson. There, he shows a
catlin and small amputation saw from the same period by Cartwright. He
describes them as "examples of poorly crafted American instruments,
featuring faux-ebony handles, which are far too light weight and make the
pieces unwieldy, and poorly finished metal. Cartwright was obviously capable
of much better! Interesting also is the fact that there are at least 5
different name stamps featured on the instruments in this set. The maker was
obviously quite proud of his achievement, as almost every piece is
marked. This set was apparently purchased by a physician in Pittsburgh
in the late 1840's who then moved to California and promptly died. This
could account for the fine state of preservation of the instruments.
