Antique Ophthalmic Surgical Instruments Case. 1870

Striking wooden case containing a complete ophthalmic-surgery tool set. The set comes from England and is dated in the late 19th century (between 1870 and 1901). The delicate tools are in very good condition and there is not one piece missing. They are all well stored in their places, inside an elegant wooden case signed by S. Maw, Son & Thompson. The tool set is composed of a number of steel scalpels, spatula and hooks with black-dyed wooden handles and one bears a bone handle. The storing case has a compartment at the left containing two small glass flasks, one of them with a paper label. Embedded at the boxs top edge we can see a bone plate with the engraved manufacturers name: S. MAW SON & THOMPSON LONDON. The tools also bear this name engraved in the metal parts. The case itself is a gorgeous piece: it is made of solid mahogany wood and remains in great condition. Outside it looks almost flawless: it has been carefully restored in order to regain the warm glow and soft touch that features the original French-polish finish. In the center of the lid we can see an embedded brass shield with a slightly worn inscription, probably engraved by the former owner of the tool set. Any lover of medical antiques and charming pieces will appreciate the great attractive of this antique surgical tool set in its original storing case. Measurements (Open Case): Width: 8.86 in / 22.5 cm. Height: 3.94 in / 10.5 cm.S. Maw. Son & Sons - History In 1807 George Maw opened a business in London in partnership with his cousin Hornby. In 1814 Maw started his own business after purchasing a surgical-instrument manufacturing business. In 1834 the workshop moved to 56 Aldersgate Street; then, Maws sons John Hornby and Solomon joined their father. In 1829 George Maw retired and the business passed to his sons. Soon after, John Hornby left the company and opened a tile-manufacturing business that still exists. In 1860 Solomon brought in his own son, Charles, and the company started being known as S. Maw & Son (after Solomon Maw). Solomon died in 1861 and Charles brought in his own sons. From then and until the 1970s, the company remained a family business and was managed by different generations.