J. Rorer & Sons Medical Surgical Set - ca. 1850's Civil War in Leather Case

Description

Medical Surgical Surgery Scalpel Set – J. Rorer and Sons (4) scalpels with finely checkered handles made prior to 1857. The case is 2.3" x 6.5". The scalpels have their respective slots in the velvet lined case. The fold down interior compartment holds a curved suturing needle and original thread (likely catgut which was technically sheep or other animal intestinal strips). Handles are intact and the scalpels have minor stains. The interior cloth has period wear but is intact and the exterior has period wear. The clasps are present and operating but the paper hinge connecting the lid and base is torn. There are Philadelphia, PA counterstamps from J. RORER & SONS -- one of the leading cutlers and surgical instrument makers in the antebellum period. Here's a very rare and important pre-Civil War counterstamp. It is the mark of John Rorer, who was well known and respected as a fine cutler and maker of medical and surgical implements. Early in the century (1833) he was in business for himself and for a brief time with his brothers, who were also cutlers. In the 1840s his elder son William joined the firm followed by another son, James B. Rorer. They became John Rorer & Sons and were in business until 1857 at No. 28 North Sixth Street in Philadelphia. Period wear and patina with period staining. One handle is slightly curved.