USA MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CIVIL WAR SURGICAL SET BY J.H. GEMRIG CIRCA 1860s

Rare American Civil War medical doctor’s surgeon kit. The kit includes amputation knives, stitches,tourniquet, saw, trephines, etc. The fitted case has a USA Medical Department metal plaque as well as a J.H. Gemrig sticker along the interior.

This surgeon’s set was likely made for the Union Army Medical Department for either the Civil War in the 1860s. Note some surgical sets marked USA Medical Department were made for other wars by the American Government such as the Mexican American War in the 1840s.

Dimensions: Box; height: 4 1/2 in x width: 17 in x depth: 6 1/2 in.

J. H. Gemrig was a surgical instrument maker in Philadelphia, Pa. during 1840 to 1881 in various forms (alone, with his brother, and with his son). During the Civil War, Gemrig was a major supplier of surgical sets under contract to the Union forces. His company was located at 48 N. 6th from 1841 to 1844, at S. 8th in 1845, 43 S, 8th from 1846 to 1865, and 109 S. 8th from 1866 to 1880. All dates are from the Directory of Makers and Dealers as listed by Edmonson in American Surgical Instruments: an Illustrated History

A telling feature of this set is the presence of two lateral sliding latches and no provision for a key, which are indicative of a military set. Unfortunately the brass plate is missing which would have been marked USA Medical Department, but the presence of the bullet forceps and other surgical instruments clearly indicate military use.

This type of set was also made for the U. S. Army Medical Department after the War. The 109 8th St. address on the maker label would be concurrent with the address of Gemrig immediately after the Civil War.

If you are interested in learning about antique medical instruments made by Gemrig visit https://jdc.jefferson.edu/catalogue_of_surgical_instruments/3/