Details

Silver etui with dissecting instruments

@IME

Edinburgh Young (Manufacturer), Macfarlane (Manufacturer)

Silver etui (decorative box) with a range of dissecting instruments from different makers: three scalpels with steel blades and ebony handles by Macfarlane, Edinburgh; a pair of steel dissecting forceps by Young, Edinburgh and a silver (?) needle. Missing from the case, as shown in the impressions in the lid, are a pair of dissecting scissors and a tenaculum/ dissecting hook. The case was probably made to order by a surgeon, specifically to fit his instruments of choice, hence the mix of makers. Engraved on top of the case are two initials in script but they are indecipherable (see second image).

Nineteenth century, mid