FULL RANGE OF FOLDING BISTOURIES, SCALPELS, LANCETS, AND KNIVES, French, c. third quarter 19th century, all signed “Luer,” a uniform set of 23 instruments showing the wide variety produced by this famous Parisian firm. Ranging from 3″ to 4-1/4″ (7.5 – 11 cm) long (closed), they are constructed with exquisitely patterned tortoiseshell bodies housing polished steel blades with locking / latching mechanisms. Some have gilt brass linings beneath the tortoiseshell. There are single and double ones, exhibiting all manner of blades curved and straight, long and short, sharp and blunt pointed, even hatchet shaped. Several blades have removable silver sheaths, spring-loaded to function as a bistoury cache. There are various locking mechanisms, sliding, latching, and hinged. All are in excellent as new, unused condition, noting only two small chips to the tortoiseshell.

The instruments came to us via descent from the original collection of exhibition pieces made and held by the Luer firm, being their finest productions, shown at the great national and international exhibitions of the 19th century. An exceptional set.