Hernstein Civilian vs. Hernstein Military Surgical Sets

 A comparison of two Civil War era sets in this collection, the larger being from the first year of the War and the other a Civil War military issue set for the Hospital Department.  Note the difference in the latches (two lateral latches on the military and a central key on the civilian.)  However, also note the military set does not have a bullet forceps, but the civilian set does.  The military set is smaller, more compact and re-enforced with multiple brass screws in the top and bottom to strengthen the case.

   

An 1861 ivory Hernstein set marked for the U.S.A. Hosp. Dept.

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