This set is by Kern,
Philadelphia. It is a fascinating set and somewhat of a mystery. It is a 4 layer
set incorporating instruments for neurosurgery, general amputation and
orthopedics. Considering that there are 4 layers and this is a large set
size-wise it is interesting that there are relatively few instruments. Some
minor pieces such as scalpels are missing but the majority of instruments are
there, including the unusual rongeur's for picking at bone during and
amputation.
This set is very similar to the Kolbe set on this site. They both
have slide latches common to military sets and both are from Philadelphia. The
layouts of the sets are similar as well. None of the instruments in this set are
stamped USA Hosp Dept, though. Interestingly, this set has an original sales
receipt with it, in fancy script, stating that the set was sold on August 9,
1865 to Benjamin Pope. Some research revealed that Pope was an Assistant surgeon
with the New York 10th heavy artillery during the war. He was mustered in
upstate New York and mustered out a few months prior to the date of sale on the
set in Washington. The set was sold in Washington therefore making it likely a
set he used as a civilian surgeon after the war.
Most likely this was a set
originally intended for military use but then sold to a civilian as an
"extra" towards the wars end. There were many such sets. When I got
this set it was apparent that the nameplate was reversed. I removed it and on
the other side was inscribed "Adams." That deepens the mystery. . .
could it have been sold to Adams after it was owned by Pope? Research is
ongoing.
Addendum!!: Turns out that Pope
was in the 6th AND 10th NY heavy artillery. He was in the 6th just before being
mustered out. The chief surgeon of the 6th was one John Adams. The picture now
comes together: Most likely Pope got the set from Adams on the 6th, and after
being mustered out did what other surgeons did: bought the set back from the
government. Of course, he wouldn't want Adams name on the top of the case so he
flipped the plate and voila. . . . the mystery is solved (or so I think).