An unusual small curved amputation knife for tumors by Vitry, circa 1800
€380
Circa
1800
Country of manufacture
France
Description
This small surgical knife measures 18cm lenght and the blade itself only 7cm lenght. It signed “V.F. Acier fondu Paris” with the hallmark of the Vitry Frères. Vitry frères established their workshop in Paris in 1795. This early knife can be dated circa 1800.
This small amputation knife is illustrated in Jourdain, Traité des maladies et des opérations réellement chirurgicales de la bouche, Paris, 1778, tome 2, plate 1, figure 4 and described as “couteau courbe ou espèce de petit serpette” and Jourdain used it for cutting tumors.
The condition is just perfect with nice patina and no damage.
This kind of amputation knife for soft tissue surgery is rare and Vitry frères instrument from this period also.
Ask the Dealer
Dealer information
Le Zograscope
Established by Alexandre Piffault in 2014 and based in Paris at 5 rue de Condé, 75006, very close to Odéon, Le Zograscope specializes in antique and rare books in Science, Medicine and Technology, and rare antique instruments in the same fields. We have especially a strong interest in early and continental microscopy, early and special mathematical/drawing instruments, medical and surgical instrument, and rare technology.
Personnal website : https://www.lezograscope.com/
