Antique Collin Surgical Case. France, Circa 1900.

Amazing antique Collin & Cie surgery set, made in France circa 1900 and in really good condition. The tool set is complete: the stainless-steel pieces are signed by the manufacturer and fit perfectly in their gaps. The only exception is the forceps, a piece which shows a slightly different design and bears no marks at all. It might be a subsequent addition, but the quality of the item and the way it fits into its gap turn it into the perfect piece to complete the equipment. The set is composed of an arch saw with a spare blade, some tweezers and scalpels, cutting pliers, suture needles and exploration tools. As stated before, the tools bear the mark of the manufacturing company. Some of them bear the engraved word COLLIN; others are signed by COLLIN ET CIE and the rest show the inscription COLLIN & CIE PARIS. They all belong to Collin & Cie, a company which made medical instruments in the early 19th century. The tools can be stored in a lovely mahogany-wooden case, elegant and solid. The case preserves the original brass metalwork and the red-velvet inner lining. Both the outside finish and the lining are in great condition, and create a perfect background for this awesome collection of stainless steel tools. Any fan of medical antiques will find an exclusive piece in this surgery set, a charming and high-quality item worthy of inclusion in the best collection.Collin & Cie History The surgical equipment company Collin & Cie started out in Paris in 1820. Joseph-Frédéric Benoît Charrière (1803-1876) founded the original workshop in that year. In 1852 Charrière bequeaths the company to his son Jean Jules. After Jean Juless death in 1866, the following year the company is taken over by two apprentices, Adolphe Collin and Robert. In 1870 Collin remains as the sole owner and keeps it as a familiar business, leaving it to his grandsons and granddaughter after his death. Then, the company changes its name to Collin & Cie Successeurs. In 1930 it is taken over by Gentile, who renames it as Charrière, Collin & Gentile. Eventually, in 1978 the heirs sell their familys collection.