(Note: these sets are not a part of this collection, but have
been presented for educational purposes)
Information and a disclaimer (below) on this page updated
10/28/2007
Comparative
Anatomy: Later 1850's and 1861 versions of sets by George
Tiemann. The 1861 set was civilian issue, most likely
produced in the
early days of the Civil War, prior to those produced for the
military versions for the Medical or Hospital Department.
The instruments and case are
marked "G. Tiemann, 63 Chatham St" New-York, which
would date the manufacture of these sets
between 1855 to 1864.
(Tiemann Catalog). Edmonson's book shows:
George Tiemann & Co. (George Tiemann, Frederick A. Stohlmann, and Edward
Pfarre) surgical instruments
1855-63/64: 63 Chatham and 44 Eldridge
1863/64-71: 67 Chatham and 44 Eldridge
Of note: the two major
amputation knife blades in the earlier set are the curved
downward style and unusually thin in width compared
to those in the
Tiemann c. 1850 ivory set shown on this site or in the post
1860s. The curved blades would indicate an earlier 1850's
date. But, the small capital saw, which does not have the
vertical blade slots like an 1850 vintage saw, points to post
1850. The label address would limit the date to a pre-1855 time
frame. So, a manufacture date would most likely be in 1850-1855
for the earlier set.
The shape of the amputation
knives in the later set points to the 1860's date, with the same
capital saw style, so most likely early 1861.
Another point of interest about
the blades of the amputation knives is they look almost exactly
like those in a Reinhardt set in the Waring Historical Library
in Charleston, SC. That set is in Edmonson's book, page 294,
fig. 250. I examined this set personally and the knives are
also thin and have the reverse curve just like this earlier
Tiemann set. Is it possible Tiemann made the instruments for
Reinhardt? Tiemann is known to have provided material for other
lesser known makers.
c.
1855 Tiemann set
Click on any photo to enlarge
The external case is very much like the style of the 1850 ivory
case. Note the brass bands not found on the later set below.
Note
in the above right photo, the downward curve of
the lower two amputation blades, which is the
earlier style. Also, note the very delicate,
thin blade width of the lower two blades.
Note
the different ferrules of the amputation
knives. The top one is later, the lower two are
early and normal for an 1960 set, but all three
seem to fit exactly in the slots.
Note the
similarities with the earlier 1850 saw from the 1850
ivory Tiemann set.
The tourniquet has
the original cloth strap and pad.
There are two sizes of trephines in the earlier set, with the
early style crowns.
Click on any photo to
enlarge
The following is a much more extensive set c. 1860-61, most
likely made during the early days of the Civil War given the
presence of war-time instruments such as male sounds and
bullet forceps. The key to the dating is again the 63
Chatham address and the presence of the unique capital saw
with the distinctive handle, the bullet forceps, male
sounds, as well at the variations in the knife blades.
Note the
civilian style case as opposed to a military case
with sliding latches. The brass cartouche is not
marked
The address for
Tieman is the 63 Chatham location, consistent with pre-War
and War time
There are only
two male sounds in this set as opposed to a full set of
sounds and catheters usually found in military sets.
Among the
instruments is a fleam marked 'Snowden', and Tiemann curved
esophageal and bullet forceps
The tourniquet strap is not original, but
appears to be a replacement made of leather
rather than cloth
Note the amputation blades are no longer
thin and curved, but straight, and more
typical of later Civil War era design.
Note the
pre-Civil War style trephine crown (non-Galt) and only one
size.
