This is a 19th Century British Military surgeons amputation set, housed in a fitted mahogany chest, & probably dating to around the mid 1800's.

The hinged mahogany chest is rectangular in form & is secured via a lock to the front (no key) & two inset catches at either side. The front of the chest has a brass shield shaped cartouche bearing the military 'crows foot' or arrow, & the lock has a brass, shield shaped escutcheon.

The interior of the box is unlined & has various wooden fitments with brass catches & two lidded compartments.

The set is incomplete (going by the fitments) & other items have been added & are loose in the box.The instruments are as follows :

Two bone? saw blades & one detachable, locking ebony handle - one saw marked 'EVANS & CO, OLD CHANGE, LONDON' & '4' (approx 6 3/4" blade) & the other marked 'ARNOLD & SONS, LONDON' & '1' (approx 6 1/2" blade). The handle looks rather like a large pen knife with ebony scales & has a sprung mechanism. (the handle only fits the EVANS saw)

A large axe / hammer - approx 8 1/4" in length & marked 'LONDON MADE'.

A 'chisel'? - an upward curving blade marked 'EVANS & CO, LONDON' & ebony handle. Total length approx 6 1/2"

A 2 part chisel ? - one part is a chisel type item which fits into a steel navette shaped handle & is marked 'LONDON MADE'.

A hook / blade type instrument - one piece construction with a protruding point & blade on one side & a protruding part on the other side, marked 'LONDON MADE'.Total length approx 6 1/4".

Three hooks, each on a chain, & held together by a ring - one marked 'LONDON MADE'.

Four scalpels - (1)Ebony handles, approx 2" cutting blade, marked SAVIGNY & CO. (2)Steel handle, approx 1 1/2" cutting blade, marked ARNOLD & SONS, LONDON'. (3)Ebony handle, approx 1" cutting blade, marked '?P. SALT'. (4)Steel handle, approx 1 1/2" cutting blade, marked 'LONDON MADE'.

Condition is fair. All items have surface rust & have not been cleaned in any way.

The box measures approx 13" long (33cm), 5 3/4" wide (14.6cm), & 2 1/2" deep (6.3cm).