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1860's Dietrich Kolbe', Civil War, U.S. Army Surgical Set

Tags: USA Hospital Department, field set, Hospital surgical set, U.S.A. Hosp. Dept., Dietrich W Kolbe, Civil War Medicine, Surgical Field, Civil War Surgery, Amputation, bone surgery

A U. S. Army Hospital Dept. resection oriented Civil War surgical set by Dietrich W. Kolbe' of Philadelphia.  Kolbe' was one of the Philadelphia makers (1851 to 1878) who was awarded contracts to produce surgical sets during the Civil War for the Union troops.  His company was in business from 1851 to 1854 at 45 S. 8th.   For a short time he was associated with Kuemerle at 45 S. 8th,  then alone at 45 S. 8th from 1856 to 1857 at 45 S. 8th.  Later addresses were on S. 9th until 1879.  Kolbe sets are wanted to buy.   All dates are from the Directory of Makers and Dealers as listed by Edmonson in American Surgical Instruments: an Illustrated History:

D. W. Kolbe (Dietrich W. Kolbe)

1856-57: 45 S. 8th

1858: III S. 8th

1859-66: 32 S. 9th

1867-78: 15 S. 9th (Dietrich W. Kolbe dies 1878)

This Civil War military surgical set was made with emphasis on amputation and bone surgery.  A much lighter general set would have had male urology sounds, bullet probes and forceps , as well as other minor surgery and amputation instruments.  See an example of a Tiemann field surgery set.  This set, however, was intended for a hospital or rear area surgery location, rather than field use.

The set has heavy bone cutting forceps, chain saw, and various "points and blunts" (hammer and chisels) which were used to cut and trim bone.  It is a "specialty" set for use in dealing with large human bones and the wounds of war.

Click on photos to enlarge

The top of the mahogany case has an inset cartouche with the U.S.A. Hospital Department inscription.  It is the official indication that this set was made to specifications of the Union Army by instrument maker Kolbe' of Philadelphia, Pa., c. 1860-1864
The factory engraved cartouche is made of brass and hand -cut to fit the wooden box slot.
The front of the set is significant in that there is no key mechanism and only laterally sliding latches at both sides as is customary for these military sets. Dimensions: 4.5 x 6..5 x 16.75 inches

One of the key methods to date instruments is by the address of the maker.  This 32 South Ninth Street address in the set would put Kolbe' at this location during the Civil War.

Below are photos of the interior of the set through the four levels as it is taken apart. 

All instruments are marked" Kolbe' " or "Kolbe' / Phila."  Two of the large amputation knives are missing.  Replacements are sought.

The large and heavy bone forceps are clearly marked with the U.S.A. Hosp. Dep't. mark which would indicate their military contract origins.

     All instruments below are included in this set 

 

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