Antique Medical Case Full of Instruments. France, Circa 1920

Amazing antique medical case full of instruments, belonging to the Union des Femmes de France and dated circa 1920. The French Womens Union was an organization founded in Paris in 1881 by Mrs. Koechlin-Schwart after a split-off from the French Ladies Association. The goal of this organization was mainly sanitary and aimed to war times. As it was stated in their founding document, this goal consisted in the preparation and organization of the medical care that could be provided to the sick and the injured of the French army. The storing case is a sturdy and gorgeous light-colored mahogany case with artisanal dovetail joints, silvery metalwork and an inlaid metal plate at the lid with the hand-engraved organizations name. The metal plate also contains the inscription Comité de Chartres which indicates the city where the instruments were used, and the word Divers. This word means Miscellaneous in French and probably refers to the cases contents (indicating that it contains different types of medical tools). In fact, inside the lid there is a paper sheet with the same word and a list of the instruments, written by hand with blue ink. The case bears a series of metal reinforcements in striking condition and preserves the original lock and key in working order. Outside the storing case boasts a remarkable beauty, but inside it is even more spectacular. The case contains three removable trays made of a lovely wood with dark veneers. Each tray bears different compartments for the tools, all of them carved by hand with the exact shape of each tool. The set is complete and there is no piece missing. They are made of steel; the metal is in superb condition, and except for some rusted point it looks shiny and even. The set includes tweezers, pliers and tongs, sewing needles, forceps, syringes, dilators All these tools make up a unique piece with a remarkable historic and aesthetic value. Perfect to become part of a great collection of medical old-time pieces, this antique medical case full of instruments still preserves its original charm and quality. Measurements: Width: 16 in / 40 cm. Depth: 8.8 in / 22 cm. Height: 5.4 in / 13.5 cm.