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740

South German, 16th century

Eight Surgeon's tools

Property from the Estate of Alexis Gregory, sold to Benefit the Alexis Gregory Foundation

739

740

741

South German, 16th century

South German, 16th century

Eight Surgeon's tools

Eight Surgeon's tools

South German, 16th century

Eight Surgeon's tools


the smaller of the curved knives with the inventory number 'Ei 714 d' on the edge of the blade

Mother-of-pearl-inlaid and parcel-gilt etched steel

comprising two saws, a hammer, two curved, notched knives, a needle, a scalpel, and a hinged blade, all now within later glazed box frame  

length of implements 8 3/8 to 12 7/8 in.; 21.3 to 32.7cm.

framed 14 5/8 by 23 3/4 in.; 37 by 60.3cm.

Each with standard wear and rubbing to gilding. Some dents or bent areas on blades. The lower lefthand tool (the hammer) has bone replacements on the handle. Otherwise minor losses and in generally lovely condition.


The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.

The Collection of Barons Nathaniel and Albert von Rothschild, Rothschild inv. no. AR3107;
Their sale, Christies, London, 7 July 1999, lot 152
There is considerable discussion surrounding the function of these sets of implements. In his entry on another set in the Waddesdon Collection (The James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor, vol. V, Arms, Armour and Base-Metalwork, London, 1974, no. 198, pp. 449-452), Claude Blair discusses the possibility that they might originally have been used as horticultural implements or hunting tools.