COLLECTION

Art Nouveau French fleam with three blades and a knife in aluminium scales, ca. 1895
Fleam with three blades and a knife in aluminium scales

France, 1890

Veterinary folding multi-blade fleam with embossed aluminium scales (c. 1890–1910). Produced by Brene Guillaumot et fils (Nogent region, France), this four-blade folding instrument represents the final generation of veterinary bloodletting tools. It features Art Nouveau embossed aluminum scales depicting pastoral scenes of horses and cattle. While the trademark displays Napoleon III’s Legion of Honor, the use of industrial aluminum and the "Déposé" mark date the piece to the late Belle Époque. Origin: Damremont/Ney-l'Évêque, France.

Amputation Surgical Cased Set, Carriére á Paris / COLLIN & Cie, France, about 1880
Amputation Surgical Cased Set, Charriére, France, XIX c.

France, 19 C. 2 half

Amputation instrument case by Charrière/COLLIN & Cie, dating from around 1880. The case is complete with its set of eight knives, two curved needles on handles, one large curved needle without a handle, large bow amputation saw with a spare blade, smaller metacarpal saw, powerful detachable bone forceps, small clamping forceps and red haemostatic band, a pair of forceps and a curved needle. All the instruments including saws have ebony handles. All instruments have markings of the house of Charrière: Charrière á Paris or COLLIN & Cie. 

PEOPLE

Charrière, Joseph-Frédéric-Benoît

Joseph-Frédéric-Benoît Charrière. Famous medical instruments manufacturer and inventor, Charrière was born 19th of March 1803, in Cerniat, canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. Charrière would emerge as a pivotal figure in the realm of surgical instrumentation of the early 19th century, leaving a legacy that transcends time and continues to influence modern medicine. He is known as an inventor of "French gauge", manufacturer numerous innovative instruments. A number of distinguished European instrument makers were his apprentices.

Joseph-Frédéric-Benoît Charrière. Famous medical instruments manufacturer and inventor, Charrière was born 19th of March 1803, in Cerniat, canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. Charrière would emerge as a pivotal figure in the realm of surgical instrumentation of the early 19th century, leaving a legacy that transcends time and continues to influence modern medicine. He is known as an inventor of "French gauge", manufacturer numerous innovative instruments. A number of distinguished European instrument makers were his apprentices.

FIRM

Charriére á Paris
Charrière á Paris

France, Paris

The French company Charrière, founded by Joseph-Frédéric-Benoêt Charrière (1803–1876) in the early 19th century, stands as a testament to innovation in medical instrument manufacturing. Born in 1803 in Switzerland, Charrière moved to Paris as a teenager and eventually took over his mentor's cutlery workshop. He became renowned for producing high-quality surgical instruments, notably in lithotripsy and anesthesia. Charrière's technical skill, creativity, and eagerness to learn from surgeons directly influenced his designs. He is also credited with creating the 'Charrière scale,' a measurement standard for medical instruments (also known as 'French gauge'). After his death the company worked under the name Maison Collin till 1957 when it was taken over by Maison Gentile. Charrière's legacy in medical technology endures, symbolizing groundbreaking advancements in healthcare tools.

Shepard-Duddley-NY-logo.png
Shepard & Dudley, New York

USA, New York

The company, Shepard & Dudley NY, established by instrument makers in New York, operated from 1870 to the late 1890s. The company Shepard and Dudley did not manufacture instruments during or prior to the Civil War, they were producers of surgical sets for civilian purposes post-war. 

Gentile, Paris

France, Paris

Maison Gentile was founded in 1891 by Pierre Gentile. Address: 49 rue Saint-André-des-arts, Paris. The founder, Pierre Gentile, was trained in the Galante workshops. The company was making metal and "caoutchouc" (rubber) instruments. Maison Gentile acquired Maison Collin (former Maison Charrière) in 1957. It closed its doors permanently in 1972.

Collin & Cie, Paris

France, Paris

The French company Maison Collin was organized as a successor of the famous Maison Charrière, founded by Joseph-Frédéric-Benoît Charrière in the early 19th century. Anatole Pierre Urbain Louis Colline (1831-1923) and Louis-Apollinaire Robert bought the Charrière firm on May 19, 1866. Robert left the company at 1876. Address of Maison Collin was 60 rue Mazarine, Paris. The company worked under the name Maison Collin till 1957 when it was taken over by Maison Gentile.