Ophthalmic instrument set, Paris, France, 1801-1815

Ophthalmic instrument set cased, incomplete but of fine workmanship, by Grangeret, Paris, 1801-1815, with some additions, 45, rue des St. Peris

Used for surgery on the eye, the instruments in this fine set are made from silver and steel with ivory, ebony or mother of pearl handles. Many of the blades are marked with the name “Grangeret”, a surgical instrument maker working in Paris from 1790 to 1835. Some of the original instruments have been replaced by later designs by other surgical instrument makers.

The instrument set was purchased by Henry Wellcome in June 1928 as part of the private collection of Noel Hamonic (active 1850-1928). Sold for £4,400, the collection consisted mainly of surgical instruments.