Surgical instrument maker.

[juantotree]

Hi,

This silver catheter needle hallmarked for London 1869 has a makers mark GC. I know that Charles William Chilcott was a recognised maker of surgical instruments earlier in the 19th century. I am wondering if one of his children carried on in the same business but can find no record of this being the case, or maybe this is by a completely different maker. I would welcome the thoughts of any other members on a possible candidate.

Many Thanks
Martin

[dognose]

Hi Martin,

That would be George Carsberg of 8, Meredith Street, Clerkenwell, a known silver surgical instrument maker.

Trev.

[juantotree]

Thanks Trev, much appreciated.

Martin

[asheland]

That's a very interesting instrument! Are these instruments in sterling from the Victorian period rare?
This would be a new subject for me, but I find it fascinating!

[dognose]

It's not so much that the items were rare, but the fact they were hallmarked. As a vast majority of silver surgical instruments were not retailed as such, but supplied direct to hospitals, there was no legal requirement for hallmarking and the additional costs that it incurred. Such items most often are just marked 'Silver' or 'Sterling', along with the maker's mark.

Trev.

[asheland]

I see. That does indeed make sense.
Thank you!