Antique Austro-Hungarian Army Surgeon's Case. WW1. Austria - Hungary, 1914

Antique surgery set which belonged to a medical officer of the Austro-Hungarian army, used during World War I and really complete. This wonderful item is model 1895 (the official model of the Austro-Hungarian army) and is dated in 1914: it is more than one century old and took part in one of the most relevant and devastating contents in the history of humankind, known as the Great War. The case is a solid-wooden rectangular box, in very good condition and containing a complete tool set for medical/surgical use, all of them made of steel. The tools are amazingly preserved and look shiny and good, with almost no traces of rust or wear. The set contains scissor clips, amputation saws, precision tweezers, scalpels, spatulas and other tools commonly used by military surgeons. The tools are stored in the two parts of the case, each one in its respective milled compartment. Inside there is also a removable wooden tray with more tools; in the center of the tray there is transparent-plastic cylinder containing a suture thread reel. The tray also contains a small silvery-metal box with a metal syringe, some needles and more threads, and a small wooden lid with a metal pull under which we find a group of curve suture needles. The case itself is a very good-looking piece. It is a solid oak wooden box with delicate artisanal dovetail joints in the corners. Outside the wood bears a fine dark-walnut finish on which the silvery metalwork stands out clearly. The only missing piece is the side handle its base is still attached to the wood, but the handle itself is gone. The lid bears a central metal plate with the embossed inscription KLEINER CHIRURG INSTRUMENTENKASTEN (Small surgical surgery set). At one of the boxs sides we can see a small metal door; if we open it, we will find the original key that operates the lock. Fascinating and full of charm, this antique surgery set which belonged to a medical officer of the Austro-Hungarian Army and was used during World War I will stand out in a great collection of war or medicine-related antiques. Measurements: Width: 11.2 in / 28 cm. Depth: 4.6 in / 11.5 cm.