ANTIQUE SURGEONS KIT
I have an antique surgeons kit and do not have any idea how to value it.
I do not find a date or marking on the box although the instruments seem to fit. There may be one or two missing. The box has a brass plate but it does not appear to be engraved or it is worn. Most of the intruments are marked Leach and Greene. One pair of scissors is marked Betz, Germany. The tourniquet says (patent 1855) I believe.
The original retainer that holds the instruments in the lid and is held in place by two embossed swivels is gone and has been replaced with cardboard. Would that have been where the name and address may have been? I appreciate your assistance.
Your set was made by William K Leach and Nathaniel Greene Jr (Leach and Greene) out of Boston, MA. They were in business together from 1862-1900. Some dates of their locations 1862-1869 (82 Tremont) 1870-1875+ (1 Hamilton Place) 1882-1890+ (165 Tremont St). Dating your kit would be more precise if the original manufacturer label was present. The set definitely predates the 1880's as the handles are made of wood. It likely is from the 1860's-early 1870's. The set is almost certain to be a civilian set, but, could have been made during the Civil War era. Value? I recommend one of the best sites on the Internet http://www.medicalantiques.com Dr Echols is an expert on surgical sets. He does not have any sets by Leach and Greene listed, but, I'm sure he can help. If I had to quote you, I would think this would bring anywhere from $500-1,200 at auction.
I do not find a date or marking on the box although the instruments seem to fit. There may be one or two missing. The box has a brass plate but it does not appear to be engraved or it is worn. Most of the intruments are marked Leach and Greene. One pair of scissors is marked Betz, Germany. The tourniquet says (patent 1855) I believe.
The original retainer that holds the instruments in the lid and is held in place by two embossed swivels is gone and has been replaced with cardboard. Would that have been where the name and address may have been? I appreciate your assistance.
Your set was made by William K Leach and Nathaniel Greene Jr (Leach and Greene) out of Boston, MA. They were in business together from 1862-1900. Some dates of their locations 1862-1869 (82 Tremont) 1870-1875+ (1 Hamilton Place) 1882-1890+ (165 Tremont St). Dating your kit would be more precise if the original manufacturer label was present. The set definitely predates the 1880's as the handles are made of wood. It likely is from the 1860's-early 1870's. The set is almost certain to be a civilian set, but, could have been made during the Civil War era. Value? I recommend one of the best sites on the Internet http://www.medicalantiques.com Dr Echols is an expert on surgical sets. He does not have any sets by Leach and Greene listed, but, I'm sure he can help. If I had to quote you, I would think this would bring anywhere from $500-1,200 at auction.
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