American Historical Ephemera and Photography

7 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 2 in. varnished walnut presentation case with green felt lining containing fourteen assorted surgical tools and featuring silver Gothic "WS" initials on the lid below brass nameplate scratched "Ward Secor." Interior of the box is signed "Ward Secor" on the liner for the lid and the base with a pair of tintypes tacked into the lid. Item features ebony handles to tools with nickel plated finish. (Scuffs and abrasions overall, some flaking of the nickel finish on all tools, stains to the lining, flaking to paper label, and some scratches to tintypes.)

Ward M. Secor was born in Brooklyn, New York to William Franklin and Susan Secor in December of 1847. Ward enrolled in the Long Island College Hospital and is listed among the students attending classes in 1865 and 1866. Census records indicate that Ward did not continue in the medical profession, having taken on work as a shoe and bootmaker by the 1875 Census, with the 1880 Census listing his profession as a Clerk. A copy of "The Real Estate Record and Builders Guide" dated 21 April 1888 further lists Ward Secor's business as "B&S", likely indicating a return to the boot and shoemaking profession. Census information indicates that Ward Secor never married, suggesting that the woman pinned onto the lid may be another relative, though neither tintype is identified. Secor died in 1917, with his last known place of residence being Jersey City, New Jersey.

Post-mortem surgical kits such as this one served as a constant companion to medical students in the mid 19th Century due to the crucial role cadavers played in medical education. The paper label address for "George Tiemann & Co." lists the company's address as "No. 63 Chatham St., New York". The company operated from this address between 1833 and 1855, with this kit likely having been produced toward the end of operations at that address. Multiple tools display the Gothic letter "TIEMANN" marking typical of such Antebellum kits, with the initials "WS" carved into the ebony handles of various tools. Included in the kit are: a chain hook, scissors, blow pipe, chisel, dissection forceps, dissection hook, two-piece saw, amputating knife, one all metal scalpel, four wood handled scalpels.