May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
For a nearly identical example, see the "Surgeons at Sea" section in "The War of 1812 and the Rise of the U.S. Navy" by Jenkins and Taylor. The example shown in the book is also mahogany and of this configuration, and was owned by Sir Benjamin Outram (1774-1856) and is said by his descendants to have been used at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. The battle was Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson's "hardest fought" battle. Copies of the information and photos from this book are included. The mahogany case measures 10 1/2" x 7" x 8 1/4" closed. It has beaded edges with two folding doors on the front, both with diamond-shaped brass keyhole escutcheons. The top has a brass Hepplewhite handle. The partitioned interior opens to reveal two shelves on the inside of each door. Each shelf contains three glass bottles. In the center, there are two graduated drawers. The top drawer has three partitioned sections containing glass beakers, a syringe, two glass mixing instruments and a bone measuring instrument. The bottom drawer contains four glass vials in fitted compartments and a large hand blown glass mixing bowl in the left compartment. Above the drawers there are four sections with wooden partitions, each containing a large glass bottle with glass stopper. The back of the box reveals a hidden compartment with sliding lid. Behind this are three more very large glass bottles with glass tops. The chest contains a total of 19 glass bottles, some with labels and old contents within. All appear to be original and none are missing. A medical kit that is as complete as this example is very hard to come by. Complete with its original key. CONDITION: Very good. The exterior has its original finish with some scattered marks from use and an age crack on the front of the right door. Brass furniture retains a very dark patina. Interior shows some scuffing and minor losses to finish. DMG