2002/30/1-5

Arnold & Sons (Manufacturer)

This is a set of neurectomy instruments, used by a vet. Neurectomy is the removal of nerves. The set includes a bistoury, knife and needle, all with ivory handles, and metal spring forceps. They are contained in a leather case with a green velvet interior. Each instrument is stamped with the manufacturer's name, 'Arnold & Sons of Smithfield, London'. It was found by the donor at Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle when he purchased the practice in 1951. He was a general vet and horse vet, and treated pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area until he retired in 1975.

1 set of neurectomy instruments in a leather case: ivory, metal, leather; good conditionEach instrument is stamped with manufacturer's name. CONTENTS: 1) Neurectomy bistoury, with ivory handle; 13.5cm (length). 2) Neurectomy knife, with ivory handle; 10cm (length). 3) Neurectomy knife/needle, with ivory handle; 12.3cm (length). 4) Spring forceps, metal; 11.4cm (length). 5) Leather case, dark blue/black in colour; no exterior inscription; padded green interior lid, in middle of which is printed manufacturer's name and emblem in gold; interior base of case in green velvet, formed to shape of instruments; 14.5 x 8 x 2.5cm (length x width x depth).

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'NEURECTOMY INSTRUMENTS // (IN LEATHER CASE) // Description // 1 set of neurectomy instruments in a leather case. // Manufactured by Arnold & Sons of Smithfield, London; each instrument is stamped with the manufacturers name. // CONTENTS: // 1) Neurectomy bistoury, with ivory handle, 13.5cm (length) // 2) Neurectomy knife, with ivory handle, 10 cm (length) // 3) Neurectomy knife/needle, with ivory handle, 12.3cm (length) // 4) Spring forceps, metal, 11.4cm (length) // 5) Leather case, with padded green interior lid, in middle of which is printed gold manufacturers name and emblem. Interior base of case is green velvet formed to shape of instruments. Outside of case is black/v. dark blue with no isncription. // Dimensions // 14.5 x 8 x 2.5cm (length x width x depth) // Associated information // See 2002/27 // Depositor suggested these instruments were for removing human hernias. However, looking in Arnold & Sons catalogue (below) it seems very likely that they are neurectomy instruments. // References // See Arnold & Sons catalogue of veterinary instruments and appliances p. 114-115, (TR CXL P2/B1)', MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) [2002/27] – '... // W. G. Blythman was born in 1926 and trained as a vet at Edinburgh from 1943-48. He purchased Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle in 1951 for £1,000. The practice was started by Clement Stephenson in 1918 - one of the first fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Originally, the practice specialised in street horses. It had 10 forges because the business combined a farriery & veterinary practice. // Stephenson financed part of the School of Agriculture at Newcastle University in the early 20th century. He also became Vice-President of the Veterinary Association. // Blythman was a general vet and horse vet. He used to treat pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area. He was also a racecourse vet for 44 years. He retired in 1975.', MERL miscellaneous note - 'Collection of veterinary instruments and associated material // Deposited by William Grant Blythman, BSc, MRCVS, on 7th September 2002 // Acc. No. Name of Item // 2002/30(5) Neurectomy instruments (in leather case)... // These items were found by W. G. Blythman at Ephick's veterinary practice in 1951....'

Smithfield [City of London]

1918 - 1951

Metal, Ivory, Leather, Fibre