993.273.1: Instrument Kit, German, 1918

Additional Images

993.273.1: Instrument Kit, German. Instrument box
Image No. 1762 Instrument box; Photographer: Helen Kingsley

Object Description

Cast iron lidded box containing a perforated tray and 2 canvas instrument cases. 'H.S.D.' and '1680' is stamped into lid top with date '1918' on side. The case containing amputation saw has inked name 'Truppenbesteck Nr.811 Einsatz 4' and outline of saw with blade and 3 other instruments which are missing. The second canvas case has pockets for 9 surgical instruments: knife, 7x scalpels and razor. Numbers 1 to 9 are printed in black ink on each pocket. The box also contains 3x trephines, catheter, needle holder, curved blunt scissors, cross handle, stand and burner unit; '+H.S.D.+' and 'D.R.G.M.' [Deutsches Reichs Gebrauchsmuster - German Reich Registered Design] is stamped into surface of burner unit. The stand is for a sterilising tray now missing, under which the burner was placed to heat sterilising liquid.

Object Classification

Accession Number: 993.273.1
Collection: Military
Date: 1918

Object Dimensions

  • Length: 38.5 cm
  • Height: 11 cm
  • Width: 19.2 cm

Object Parts

  • a) Lidded box with handles
  • b) Perforated tray
  • c) Instrument case
  • d) Amputation saw with bow handle and permanent ratchet lock
  • e) Serrated saw blade
  • f) Serrated saw blade
  • g) Knife case
  • h) Solid forged knife
  • i) Large solid forged scalpel
  • j) Large solid forged scalpel
  • k) Solid forged scalpel
  • l) Solid forged scalpel
  • m) Solid forged scalpel size:18
  • n) Solid forged scalpel with manufacturer's stamp 'W.HOLZHAUER'
  • o) Solid forged scalpel with manufacturer's stamp 'EVENS&PISTOR,CASSEL' size:12
  • p) Razor
  • q) Trephine with removable handle, head 2.5cm diameter. Manufacturer's stamp 'ARNOLD&SONS LONDON'
  • r) Trephine, head 2cm diameter with manufacturer's stamp 'PILLING-PHILA', 'W.H.T.' engraved into handle
  • s) Trephine with removable handle, head 2cm diameter
  • t) Catheter, one eye, round tip, stamped in gold lettering '7 m/m REFORM CANNSTATT REIN SEIDE'
  • u) Needle holder, disjointing with permanent ratchet lock. Manufacturer's details 'ARNOLD&SONS LONDON' stamped into handle
  • v) Cross handle
  • w) Scissors, curved, blunt points with manufacturer's stamp 'MAYER & MELTZER'
  • x) Stand with folding uprights
  • y) Burner unit with folding legs

Object Materials

  • blued steel,
  • canvas,
  • cast iron,
  • chrome plate,
  • coating,
  • copper alloy,
  • cork,
  • enamel paint,
  • ink,
  • metal,
  • plating,
  • rubber,
  • stainless steel,
  • steel

Acquisition Detail

  • Manufacturer of part w) : Mayer & Meltzer
  • Manufacturer of part q) : Arnold & Sons
  • Manufacturer of part o) : Evens & Pistor
  • Manufacturer of part n) : W. Holzhauer
  • Manufacturer of part r) : G. P. Pilling & Son Co.
  • Owner: Dr. E. Day
  • History of Use: This instrument set was designed for performing emergency surgery at a field hospital or on the battlefield during the First World War.